To get to know East Beach Walkers, we interviewed Co-Captains, Lalla Brutoco and Pat Fulmer.

Why and when did you join the Women’s Fund?

Pat: I first heard of the Women’s Fund and its good works shortly after moving to Santa Barbara, but was under the impression it was a very exclusive organization. In 2011, I met Barbara Hauter Woodward at Susan Case’s house and was pleased to gain a new understanding about women working to make a difference in our beautiful community—and having a good time doing so. We were all affiliated with a group of walkers who gathered together every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday—about 100 strong. From this group, Susan organized a Women’s Fund group of ten now called Women Who Care.

Lalla: I was also a member of the walking group, and again, Susan Case played a role in educating me about the Women’s Fund. We were out for a walk one day, and the topic of the Women’s Fund came up.

What inspired you to create your group?

Pat: Even though I was very supportive of the work the Women’s Fund achieved for the community, I felt slightly hesitant when Susan asked me to head a new members’ group. But, when I learned each member’s annual contribution would be given at a level that was comfortable for her, that made the task much more reasonable. I agreed to become a group captain if my neighbor, Lalla Brutoco, would serve as co-captain.

Lalla: Right away I said YES, I really wanted to contribute to a totally female-run organization doing such important work in our local community. It offered the perfect way to get involved and give back.

Very quickly, we had more than 30 dynamic women who wanted to be part of our group, because it was “a natural.” We were already friends and saw each other on a regular basis. Everyone in the new group became active in the Women’s Fund to the extent they could—some participating on committees and others participating in the decision-making meetings. Our members were pleased that their effort could vary according to the amount of time they had to dedicate to the organization, and that “Women’s Fund busywork” was held to a minimum—a win-win for everyone.  

What is the significance of your group’s name, East Beach Walkers? So many members in our walking group had heard about the Women’s Fund through the friendships formed during walks on East Beach, it seemed very appropriate to name ourselves the East Beach Walkers.

How many members do you have? We now have 39 and counting!

How often do you meet? We meet twice a year. One of those meetings is held in March to discuss and vote for our choices among the organizations that appear on the ballot. We also meet in June and/or January to socialize, catch up with each other and the news of the Women’s Fund, and to introduce new members to the group. We usually have some information from the Research Committee to share. These additional meetings are a tremendous success. We have a great turnout, because our members enjoy being together to share a glass of wine, some appetizers and to mix and mingle with each other. The friendship we share keeps us all engaged in our main mission, which is to vote every March.

What is the one thing you would like people to know about your group? Our group is congenial, committed and enthusiastic about participating in the Women’s Fund. We are committed to “our mission,” and we take it seriously. 

What are the qualities that make good group captains? Good captains keep their members informed about various dates for meetings and site visits, try to create as much camaraderie within their group as they can, and encourage the members to stay engaged by reading the WF newsletter and volunteering when time allows. We also understand we want to be ready and willing to donate monies and  increase our donations, when possible, because the Women’s Fund is defined by the power of its dedication to contribute as much as it can to the women, children and families in Santa Barbara who can benefit from their funding.  

We believe it is important to convey one’s own personal support for the vital work of the Woman’s Fund, and to inspire others to get involved. 

Anything else you would like us to know about the East Beach Walkers?  Yes, to say “THANKS” to everyone for your contributions to the Women’s Fund. It takes a very large VILLAGE!!!