On May 2 a record-breaking 300 women celebrated six new Women's Fund grant recipients at the 7th annual Presentation of Fund luncheon at the Doubletree. Here's a recap from Women's Fund member and local journalist, Leslie Dinaberg! (Look for the full story today in today's Noozhawk at Noozhawk.com)

"If there is a theme to this day-and to this past year-it is growth," said Steering Committee Chair Sarah de Tagyos in welcoming more than 300 members of the Women's Fund of Santa Barbara to the 7th Annual Presentation of Funds Luncheon on Monday.

This year the fund was able to award $565,000 to support the work of six local nonprofit organizations: Carpinteria Children's Project at Main, Channel Islands YMCA, Children's Project Academy, Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY), Mobile Waterford and WillBridge of Santa Barbara.

Spurred in part by a matching grant from member and local philanthropist, Betty Elings Wells, who committed $250,000 in a 2-for-1 match for every dollar the Women's Fund raised above $350,000, the $565,000 grants pool for 2011 was $200,000 more than the Women's Fund was able to give to nonprofits in 2010. "In addition, every dollar members donated in 2010 is going to meet critical community needs today because generous members underwrote all Women's Fund 2010 expenses in addition to their membership donations," said de Tagyos.

The $565,000 in donations brings the total amount given to the community by the Women's Fund to $3,080,000 to 39 nonprofits in Santa Barbara, Goleta and Carpinteria.

The nonprofits receiving 2010 - 2011 Women's Fund awards (click here for more information):

Left to right: Ron Zecher, Program Director, Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY); Wendy Read, CEO, The Children's Project Foundation; Lynn Karlson, Executive Director, Youth and Family Services, a branch of the Channel Islands YMCA; Michelle Robertson, Executive Director, Carpinteria Children's Project at Main; Lynnelle Williams, Executive Director, WillBridge of Santa Barbara; John Cole, Volunteer Consultant and Grant Writer for Mobile Waterford

Carpinteria Children's Project at Main ($135,000)-for staff, computers, literacy software, books and learning materials to outfit the Early Childhood Literacy Lab.

Channel Islands YMCA ($100,000)-for support services for the Transitional-age Youth Housing Program at Artisan Court serving young adults aged 18-21, many of whom have aged out of the foster care system.

Children's Project Academy ($75,000)-for detailed architectural plans for a residential charter school for foster youth in grades 7-12.

Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) ($95,000)-for a school readiness program that trains parents of at-risk children to become their children's first teacher.

Mobile Waterford ($95,000)-for kindergarten readiness and English-language instruction engaging four-year-olds in neighborhoods where they live.

WillBridge of Santa Barbara ($65,000)-for permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless mentally ill adults and homeless women at risk of becoming victims of violent crime.

As Women's Fund founding chair Carol Palladini shared in closing, "The main benefit of the Women's Fund is the impact we together have in our community. But never forget that we are individual women. Each one of you who participates at any level has shown true generosity, trust, and vision."

At the celebration luncheon, members had the opportunity to renew their memberships for 2011 - and thereby vote on what issues the Women's Fund Research Committee will research in 2011. As we announced at the luncheon, we have $100,000 remaining of Betty Elings Wells' 2010 grant so after we raise $350,000 this year, we will be able to match all subsequent donations 2-for-1 up to $100,000.

Deadline to vote for 2011 research issues (Areas of Community Need) is May 16. Click here to pledge for 2011 and vote.