CIYMCA 26th Annual Reaching for the Stars Fundraiser

The Channel Islands YMCA annual fundraiser “Reaching for the Stars” was held on June 4 at the SB Women’s Club, aka Rockwood, on Mission Canyon Road. The event is the organization’s single largest funding source that supports its organizational overhead and various programs serving youth in Santa Barbara County. This year the event’s team reports they raised $137,000.

Speaking at the event, CIYMCA Executive Director Amy Tovias said, “The Reaching for Stars Gala is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together. Because of this community’s generosity, we are able to provide life-changing support to youth who need it most, ensuring they have a safe place to turn and a path forward.”

The event program serves up headliner emcee Andrew Firestone, a menu from local chefs serving their specialty dishes, a slide show, and keynote speakers. The two keynote speakers were Alia Azariah and Honorary Chair Dr. Carrie Towbes. This year’s chefs were Owen Hanavan (Santa Barbara Yacht Club), Paul Osborne (Santa Barbara Fish Market & Restaurant), Josh Brown (Little Bird Kitchen), Colby Silva (Toma), Robert Perez (The Black Sheep), Christine Rosell and Emily Dean (San Ysidro Ranch). Seen at the fundraiser were Lynn and Roger Karlson, Steve Lyons, Marilyn and Steven Gutsche.

Post event, Marketing Director Daniel Noah shared with me thatCIYMCA has opened a new location for services, a transitional home for young adults experiencing homelessness called The Mission House. “The Mission House will welcome eight residents between the ages of 18 and 21, young adults stepping into adulthood without the safety net many of us take for granted. Here, residents can stay for up to eighteen months at no cost, receiving vital support, including education and school continuation, employment guidance and job readiness coaching, daily life skills development, stability, connection, and a safe place to call home. This new location gives young adults the opportunity to stabilize, regroup, and plan for their futures with the support of caring professionals who believe in them every step of the way. It represents a powerful step toward self-sufficiency and long-term success.”

411: www.ciymca.org