“The SBCC Foundation’s inaugural Spring Forward! Gala, held on Saturday, April 27, 2019, was one for the record books!” said SBCC Foundation spokesperson Jennifer LeMay.
With more than 300 guests in attendance, the event raised $425,000 to support all SBCC Foundation programs, including the nationally recognized SBCC Promise, innovative student achievement programs, scholarships, emergency funds, book grants, and other critical needs of the college and its students.
The event was held on the beautiful Santa Barbara City College campus, in the Sports Pavilion, which was transformed into an elegant venue by Merryl Brown Events, according to Ms. LeMay.
“The SBCC Culinary Arts, Music, and Art departments all played key roles, and surprise guest Michael McDonald joined SBCC’s New World Jazz Ensemble for an exhilarating performance,” said Ms. LeMay.
SBCC’s new Interim Superintendent / President Dr. Helen Benjamin inspired the room, while current student Juwan Vega, faculty member (and alumna) Geordie Armstrong, and alumna Cynthia Inda, each shared a personal account of the power of an SBCC education, said Ms. LeMay.
“The event highlighted the transformative role of SBCC in the lives of so many. 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,” said Geoff Green, CEO for the SBCC Foundation. “
The Luria Foundation and Union Bank were the Presenting Sponsors for the event. Trustee Sponsors were Yardi Systems and the Herbert & Bui Simon Foundation; Potek Winery was the Chancellor Sponsor, and the President Sponsors were: Montecito Bank & Trust, SEI, Armstrong Associates / Leslie & Earl Armstrong, the Jurkowitz Family Foundation, Nanette and Henry Nevins, the Santa Barbara Foundation, and the Vincent Family.
Next year’s Spring Forward! Gala is scheduled for May 2, 2020.
