The SBCC Foundation’s 3rd annual Spring Forward! Gala, held May 22 on the Great Meadow of SBCC’s West Campus, attracted some 300 guests and brought in more than $400,000 to support the foundation’s work, which includes the SBCC Promise, scholarships, emergency grants, and other needs of the college and its students.
SBCC Music students and faculty provided the evening’s entertainment, while SBCC Art faculty and students created original works of art to enhance the venue. Surprise guest performer was Glenn Phillips. The event setting was made into an elegant venue by Merryl Brown Events.
During the program, Kindred Murillo, SBCC superintendent/president inspired the audience with her positive outlook. Alisha Sanchez shared her personal experience as a former Running Start student who now operates the six-week summer bridge program.
Other speakers weere Rosette Strandberg, director of SBCC’s vocational nursing program, who talked about the impact of the nursing program on the Santa Barbara community. Kandy Luria-Budgor shared some of the reasons she and her family have invested in the college for decades.
“The event celebrated the transformative role that SBCC plays in supporting our community,” said Geoff Green, SBCC Foundation CEO. “SBCC meets all students where they are, regardless of their past challenges or future goals.
“We are grateful to all of the donors, sponsors, alumni, students, staff, faculty, college trustees, volunteers, foundation board members, and friends of SBCC from near and far who joined us and make the foundation’s work possible.”
Trustee Sponsors of the event were Yardi Systems, the Herbert & Bui Simon Foundation, and Rachel Kaganoff Stern; Chancellor Sponsors were Roger Durling and Daniel Launspach, Rachil and Scott Vincent, Potek Winery, and Zegar Family Foundation; and the President Sponsors were Laurie Ashton and Lynn Sarko, COX Communications, Living Peace Foundation, Luria/Budgor Family Foundation, Frank Schipper and Leslie Meadowcroft-Schipper, SEI, and Union Bank.
For a complete list of sponsors and additional event supporters, visit https://www.sbccfoundation.org/spring-forward-gala/.
For more about the SBCC Foundation, visit sbccfoundation.org.