And The Awards Go To...

“In a climate of economic uncertainty, the tendency is to stand pat rather than step forward. The Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara didn’t get the message.” So begins one of many glowing news reports of the Women’s Fund’s 5th annual Presentation of Funds luncheon at El Paseo Restaurant on February 9. 

Directors of 10 local agencies stepped to the microphone to accept a record $725,000 in total grants before a standing-room-only crowd of 250 members, guests and local media. The 2008 awards – up $125,000 over 2007 – brings our five-year total to nearly $2.2 million donated to 28 local agencies. 

2008 Research Co-Chair Sarah de Tagyos explained how the 10 recipients were chosen. “WF members selected three Areas of Interest: education, health care and violence prevention. Nineteen volunteers on the Research Committee did preliminary review and narrowed more than 300 local agencies to 42 for in-depth research--interviewing agency directors and community leaders, reviewing program details and financial reports and conducting site visits. Members received a ballot; votes were counted." The following 10 nonprofits received grants totaling $725,000.

AllforOne Youth and Mentoring ($65,000) for a program director to help high-risk youth make healthy choices and avoid gang involvement.

Breast Cancer Resource Center ($30,000) for a new computer system to aid in providing peer support and information to cancer patients and their families.
Casa Serena ($75,000) for a resident scholarship fund to help women (with their children) complete a safe path to recovery from alcoholism.

CORE at Santa Barbara Junior High ($70,000) for an individualized intervention program designed to explore productive choices for at-risk 7th and 8th graders.

Dos Pueblos Engineering Academy ($150,000) toward a new building to expand the hands-on science and engineering program for high school students entering college or the work force.
 
Future Leaders of America ($65,000) for a Latino youth leadership and education program designed to create college-educated, civic-minded role models who give back to their communities.
 
The Parent Project ($35,000) for parent-adolescent communications training to help strengthen relationships between elementary/junior high students and their families.
PathPoint ($75,000) for a rehabilitation specialist providing eviction prevention, crisis prevention, and recovery stabilization services for mentally ill adults impacted by government budget cuts.

Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics ($80,000) to upgrade a computer health tracking system designed to increase prevention exams and tests for women, avoiding emergency room visits for routine illnesses for women and their families.

United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara ($80,000) to expand after-school programs for at-risk teens in areas vulnerable to gangs in Goleta, Carpinteria and the Westside of Santa Barbara.

Each recipient expressed heartfelt thanks to the nearly 400 Women’s Fund donors and the Orfalea Fund for its $353,000 donation to the 2008 Women’s Fund pool. Linda Guerena of the Parent Project said, “Your grant will make it possible for hundreds of at-risk children and their parents to learn how to have healthier family relationships. A healthier home life translates into better grades and attendance at school and a sense of hope and a promise for a better future.” 

Also thanked were Meredith and John Scott for their fifth year of generously underwriting the luncheon and Kathryn Calise for funding additional expenses this year.

Founding Chair Carol Palladini closed the luncheon with a voice choked by emotion, “We each can be in awe of what we’re accomplishing together. A group of women of all ages, means, and backgrounds putting more than $2 million into our community in just five years. We are making a huge difference to so many women, children, teens and families."

"We have helped save programs that would otherwise have been dropped for lack of funds," she continued. "We have helped encourage innovative new projects to make life better for people, and we’ve only just begun…. There is so much more to do. But we CAN do it…because we’re “Changing Lives Together.”

• Apologies to "Terrific Twosome" (Kathy O'Leary and Lorna Hodges) for omitting your names on the WF Membership list in our Presentation of Funds program.
  
  
• February 2009 Presentation of Funds news coverage
  
  
• 2009 WF leaders
  
  
• New marketing materials to share with friends
  
  
• Founding Chair Carol Palladini speaks on "Role Models for Community and International Philanthropy" at Women's Festival March 8 (www.womensfestivals.org)