The SBCC Foundation’s 6th annual Spring Forward! Gala, held on Saturday, May 17 on the beautiful Great Meadow of SBCC’s West Campus, was a resounding success!
300 guests came out to celebrate and support our community’s college as they enjoyed the spectacular venue overlooking the ocean. The event raised nearly $400,000 to support the work of the SBCC Foundation, including the SBCC Promise, student success programs, scholarships, emergency grants, and more.
“We had a lot to celebrate at this year’s gala,” said Bobbi Abram, CEO of the SBCC Foundation. “Including our community’s support for the successful passing of Measure P for SBCC, the bond that will provide nearly $200 million for much-needed improvements on the SBCC campus.”
“We are grateful to all of the donors, sponsors, alumni, students, staff, faculty, SBCC trustees, Foundation board members, and friends of SBCC who joined us for the gala and make the Foundation’s work possible.”
Guests celebrated by arriving dressed in their best “Bond style” and enjoying a James Bond- themed cocktail reception with curated signature drinks and hors d’oeuvres, a delectable multi- course dinner, breathtaking views and dancing under the stars.
The gala also featured music by award-winning DJ Darla Bea (an SBCC alumna), wines by event sponsor Margerum Wine Company, and Milpas Motors Bond-themed vintage vehicles.
Liza Breitenstein, an outstanding student in SBCC’s Radiologic Technology program, shared her story during the dinner program. She had to resign from her full-time job to enter the two-year program and pursue her dream of becoming a radiologic technologist.
Thankfully, she was recently awarded two scholarships through the SBCC Foundation, including one in partnership with the Rotary Club of Montecito. She’s excited to earn her associate in science degree next year.
“My family has been so supportive of my decision to come back to school,” Liza said. “I appreciate them so much. My kids say I inspire them, and that means the world to me. I want you all to know you are making a difference in people’s lives. You aren’t just helping students; you are helping families. When students are able to progress and make steps towards professional growth and starting a career, lives change for the entire family.”
The funds raised at the gala support students as they prepare for careers, transfer to four-year universities, and pursue lifelong learning goals.
Sponsors of the Spring Forward! Gala 2025:
Trustee Sponsors: Rachel Kaganoff; Scott Vincent; and Yardi.
Chancellor Sponsors: Laurie Ashton & Lynn Sarko; Luria/Budgor Family Foundation; Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians
President Sponsors: Cox Communications, Inc.; SEI Institutional Group; U.S. Bank
Dean Sponsors: Antioch University Santa Barbara; Arlington Financial Advisors; Chevron, U.S.A; Cottage Health; Erika Endrijonas, Ph.D., Santa Barbara City College; Griffith & Thornburgh; Keller Rohrback L.L.P.; Leslie Meadowcroft-Schipper & Frank Schipper; Karen & Paul Menzel; Nicholson & Schwartz; PacWest Blooms; Sable Offshore Corp.; Zegar Family Fund;
Department Chair Sponsors: 19six Architects; Bobbi Abram; Anderson Systems; Madeleine & Peter Jacobson; Kruger Bensen Ziemer Architects, Inc.; Marilyn & Richard Mazess; Montecito Bank & Trust; Santa Barbara Foundation; Susan Silver; Carrie Towbes & John Lewis; Danna & Zohar Ziv.
Additional Supporters: Ambient Event Design; Cutler’s Artisan Spirits; DJ Darla Bea; Flair Project; Margerum Wine Company; Milpas Motors; Moss Adams; Seasons Catering; Tilden Cocktails, Ventura Rental Party & Events.
About the SBCC Foundation
The SBCC Foundation has provided Santa Barbara City College with private philanthropic support since 1976, serving as the vehicle through which individuals and organizations may invest in the college and its students.
As an independent 501c3 nonprofit organization and partner to SBCC, the SBCC Foundation provides approximately $5 million annually for the SBCC Promise, student success programs, scholarships, book grants, emergency funds, and more.
For nearly 50 years, the resources raised and managed by the SBCC Foundation have supported SBCC students as they prepare for careers, transfer to four-year universities, and pursue lifelong learning goals.
In 2016, the Foundation launched the SBCC Promise, offering all recent, local high school graduates the opportunity to attend SBCC full-time at no cost. The SBCC Promise relies entirely on private support and covers all required fees, books, and supplies for up to two years.
To date, more than 8,000 students have participated. By removing financial barriers, the SBCC Promise ensures that SBCC’s life-changing educational programs are fully accessible to all local students.
For more information, visit sbccfoundation.org
