Over 200 community partners, volunteers, and supporters celebrated a century of service at United Way of Santa Barbara County’s 100th Anniversary Celebration on June 1 at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum.
The event commemorated 100 years of United Way’s efforts to build brighter futures for local families through strong community partnerships. A cocktail hour was followed by dinner and a program, including the debut of United Way’s 100 Years of Service video. After United Way board chair Cliff Lundberg toasted the organization’s milestone, attendees celebrated the storied nonprofit with an evening of music and dancing.
Thanks to generous sponsors, United Way and invited guests spent the evening in celebration and thanks, honoring eight local organizations, individuals, and service agencies who have played a role in the organization’s first century of service.
This year’s award winners include:
Outstanding Workplace Award: AGIA Affinity
Live United Award: John and Susan Hanna
Innovation Award: The Errett Fisher Foundation
Community Impact Award: Family Service Agency & Assistance League of Santa Barbara
Next Century of Service Award: County of Santa Barbara
Community Partnership Award: Montecito Bank & Trust
Century of Service Award: Cottage Health
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Since 1923, United Way has empowered children, families, and communities through its own unique collaborative programs and initiatives, partnership convening efforts, volunteer development, and funding. United Way serves Santa Barbara County through three core initiatives: academic achievement, crisis response and recovery, and financial empowerment.
“As community needs change, evolve, and grow, our work continues. 2023 marks United Way’s first steps into the next century of service and we couldn’t be more grateful to have you by our side,” said Steve Ortiz, president & CEO stated in his introductory remarks. “We are inspired by your commitment and look forward to continuing our partnership to generate innovative, sustainable, and meaningful impact for those we serve.”
Sponsors that made the evening possible included Centennial Sponsor Montecito Bank & Trust; Honorary Program Sponsor Volentine Family Foundation; Platinum Sponsors City National Bank and Carrie Towbes & John Lewis; Gold Sponsors Village Properties and Mr. G. Paul Didier; Silver Sponsors Santa Barbara Foundation, MarBorg Industries, Cottage Health, AGIA Affinity, Cliff & Diane Lundberg, Nancy Schlosser, and John & Susan Hanna; Bronze Sponsors Santa Barbara Zoo, Home Improvement Center, Anne Towbes, McCune Foundation, Mona Miyasato, The Oshay Family Foundation; and Event Underwriters & Gift in Kind Sponsors Renegade Wines, Buena Tile & Stone, Pro Garden Supply, Ventura Rentals, and Westerlay Orchids.
Watch the 100 Years of Service video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JD6Qw_F5W64&feature=youtu.be