Fiesta Finale Gala

The Profant Foundation’s Fiesta Finale Gala will be held on Sunday, August 6 starting at 5:30 pm at the historic open-air El Paseo Restaurant; included is a delicious gourmet dinner, a dazzling professional performance, a live auction led by Erin Graffy, a costume contest, and dancing under the stars.

It was those same stars and Fiesta ambiance back in the ‘50s that a young Jack Profant, a ballroom and flamenco dancer, and Lyn, a ballerina, first met – dancing the night away at El Paseo. Love and four daughters later, Fiesta was an integral part of the Profant family, celebrating, dancing, and donning Spanish attire each year. Jack’s parents, Henry and Mabel, were both pianists that helped with the launch of CAMA, the Music Academy, and Old Spanish Days nearly 100 years ago. 

When Jack later passed, Lyn established the Profant Foundation in his honor and to help other artistically inclined individuals realize their dreams. Now in its 24th year as a nonprofit, the Profant Foundation “preserves Santa Barbara’s cultural heritage and assists artists of all ages in the community, through scholarships, exhibits, and performances.” The foundation has awarded hundreds of scholarships, giving over $250,000 to artists of all ages.

Each year, the Fiesta Finale Gala is the central fundraiser for the nonprofit. One of its iconic offerings is a Tableau Vivant – artwork that “comes to life.” This year it will recreate the painting Spanish Dancers by Georges Jules Victor Clairin from 1875. Spend the night watching historic dance and living art while celebrating in the space that Jack and Lyn first met. 

For more information about the organization, please visit www.profantfoundation.org. For Fiesta Finale Gala information and reservations, please email: jeprofant@gmail.com or call (805) 705-9179