Family Service Agency Fundraiser Raises Record Funds
Over 200 guests of Family Service Agency attended Dreams in Bloom on Saturday May 13 at the Santa Barbara Woman’s Club at Rockwood—where they turned compassion into action. The sold-out event raised a record $250,000 to benefit the children, families, and seniors served by FSA—which includes Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center and Guadalupe’s Little House by the Park.
“We are humbled and energized by the support of our community,” said CEO Lisa Brabo. “This event is a great way to connect with our supporters and share our mutual passion for investing in the lives of the people we have the honor of serving.”
Dreams in Bloom was the first fully in-person event for FSA in four years. The Spring-themed event featured a flower-filled reception on the outside patio with 30 silent auction baskets and a wine wall that kept guests guessing. A delicious 3-course dinner, prepared by Catering Connection, was followed by a paddle raise and live auction lead by Montecito Bank & Trust CEO and Auctioneer, Janet Garufis. The live auction featured exclusive vacation destinations to England, South Africa, and Mexico.
Master of Ceremonies, Jan Campbell introduced Lisa Brabo, who told a moving story of a “comfort blanket” made by an FSA supporter that helped a child find solace and friendship. Attendees were then treated to a video presentation that featured staff sharing stories about helping students with mental health challenges, seniors overcoming obstacles , and low-income families in need of housing due to recent floods.
“Our community needs FSA now more than ever. We are so proud to support an agency that is always stepping up to serve the needs of our community,” said Marni Cooney, board member.
Presenting sponsors are Marni and Michael Cooney, Tania and John Burke of Trek Travel, and Carole MacElhenny. Additional sponsors include Lorrie and Greg Forgatch, Jill and John Bishop, Ginny and Tim Bliss, Zora and Les Charles, Montecito Bank & Trust, SEIU Local 620, U.S. Bank (formerly Union Bank), Liz and Andrew Butcher, Balance Financial Management, CenCal Health, and Santa Barbara Foundation.
To see a full list of sponsors and pictures from the event, please visit DreamsinBloom.org.
Family Service Agency
Donate now!www.fsacares.org
(805) 965.1001 x 1255
Director of Development: Paul Katan
Mission
Our mission is to strengthen and advocate for families and individuals of all ages and diversities, helping to create and preserve a healthy community.
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We know you care about where your money goes and how it is used. Connect with this organization’s leadership in order to begin to build this important relationship. Your email will be sent directly to this organization’s director of development and/or Executive Director.
FSA has always found a way to help those in need, expanding the depth of its programs when necessary. It is truly an asset to our community.
Help Serve More Families in Need, Faster
Family Service Agency has a long tradition of helping low-income people across Santa Barbara County receive the help they need in times of crisis. It’s a holistic approach that provides the wrap-around care each individual needs in order to become self-reliant, a mission that’s importance has become even more pronounced in the past few years.
But with inflation on the rise, FSA and the Santa Barbara County residents it serves need help.
“Where we are really lacking is having enough flexible funding for basic needs,” Lisa Brabo, FSA’s CEO says. “We’re doing our best to serve as many families as we can, but that’s where we really need help.”
Board of Directors
Molly Carrillo-Walker, Co-President
Tricia Price, Co-President
Rod Durham, Co-VP of Programs
Edward Tran, Co-VP of Programs
Maria McCall, VP of Development
Robert Janeway, Co-Treasurer
Linda Sessler, Co-Treasurer
Teressa Johnes, Secretary
BOARD MEMBERS
Mario Barfield, Psy.D.
Arianna Castellanos
Paul Cordeiro
Marni Cooney
Robin Doell Sawaske
Ed Galanski
Patty Herrera
Blanca Mejia, J.D.
Alexander Murkison
Paul Van Meel
Ryan Zick, J.D.
Terri Zuniga
HONORARY DIRECTOR
Shirley Ann