Rescue Roundup: Upcoming Fundraiser to Support Search and Rescue Volunteers

Santa Barbara County residents will gather on Friday, October 10, for an evening that combines celebration with a serious purpose: supporting the all-volunteer Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue (SBCSAR) team. Rescue Roundup 2025, set for 6 to 10 pm at the Santa Barbara Carriage Museum, promises lively entertainment, memorable food, and unique demonstrations of rescue skills.

A Festive Evening with a Purpose

At the heart of the evening will be an award-winning barbecue dinner prepared by none other than the Search and Rescue team itself, who earned top honors at this year’s “Battle of the Badges” cook-off. Guests can expect a hearty spread of Santa Maria-style barbecue, paired with local favorites and served in a convivial, family-friendly setting. A live DJ and line dancing lessons, led by the Santa Barbara Line Dancers, will keep the crowd moving, ensuring that the evening blends both celebration and community spirit.

The entertainment extends beyond the dance floor. Attendees will witness live rescue demonstrations showcasing the remarkable skills and equipment that SBCSAR relies on in real emergencies. Demonstrations will include K-9 search dogs, off-road utility vehicles, and technical rope rescues, offering the public a rare inside look at the team’s training and readiness. A silent auction and raffle will provide additional ways for supporters to contribute, featuring a range of prizes donated by local businesses
and organizations.

Voices of Leadership

The evening will also highlight voices from across the community who understand the importance of preparedness and service. Sheriff Bill Brown is slated to speak about the critical role the Search and Rescue team plays in safeguarding lives across Santa Barbara County. Also taking the stage is Scoutmaster MJ Hey, a UCSB professor who recently participated in a successful rescue and credits his Search and Rescue training for the outcome. Rounding out the speakers will be Amy Weaver, CEO of Direct Relief, the Santa Barbara-based humanitarian organization known globally for its disaster response efforts, reinforcing how local volunteerism and global preparedness are linked.

Supporting Life-Saving Work

Funds raised from Rescue Roundup will directly support the SBCSAR team’s operations. Proceeds will go toward expanding the K-9 program, acquiring new technology such as drones and mountain bikes for faster, more effective searches, upgrading medical supplies, and covering the costs of training academies for new recruits. Contributions will also support the maintenance of essential rescue vehicles and provide uniforms and safety gear, ensuring that team members are fully equipped to respond at any time.

SBCSAR is composed entirely of volunteers, roughly 50 highly trained men and women who dedicate countless hours to training and operations without pay. The team responds to over 150 calls each year, ranging from lost hikers in the backcountry to technical cliff rescues, swiftwater emergencies, and disaster response during fires and floods. They work in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, dispatched through the 911 system, and their services are always provided free of charge.

Volunteers on Call, Day and Night

Members are trained in technical rope systems, alpine operations, swiftwater rescue, emergency medicine, drone technology, and more. Their K-9 handlers and dogs undergo rigorous training to locate missing persons quickly in wilderness or disaster scenarios. In addition to missions within the county, the team has been deployed to assist elsewhere in California during wildfires and floods.

Behind every rescue is a significant investment of time and resources. Volunteers purchase much of their own gear, and the team relies heavily on community donations and fundraising events like Rescue Roundup to remain operational. Without these contributions, maintaining the high level of readiness required to respond to emergencies would not be possible.

How to Join the Effort

Tickets for Rescue Roundup 2025 are now on sale. General admission is $250, while VIP tickets are available at $500 and include special perks such as reserved seating and exclusive gift packages. Space is limited at the Carriage Museum, and organizers expect strong demand given the popularity of the event and the importance of the cause. 

Tickets can be purchased online at sbsarfoundation.com/rescueroundup2025