Tag archives: John E. Profant Foundation for the Arts

Fiesta’s Centennial Finale
By Richard Mineards   |   August 13, 2024

The 100th anniversary of Fiesta came to a glorious close with the 25th anniversary of the Fiesta Finale when 170 guests descended on the historic El Paseo restaurant raising around $100,000 for the John E. Profant Foundation for the Arts which helps musicians, dancers, artists, actors and authors chart their career paths. More than $250,000 […]

The Profant Party Returns for its 25th Anniversary
By Sigrid Toye   |   August 6, 2024

It’s Fiesta time again in Santa Barbara! Old Spanish Days is celebrating its 100th year – a Century of tradition! – embraced in a rainbow of colors, sights, and sounds. Brightly colored ruffles rim necklines and hems of the traditional Spanish dress, fluttering fans, the strum of guitars and clicking castanets are all reminders that […]

John E. Profant Foundation: Fiesta Finale Spotlights the Foundation’s Support for the Arts
By Sigrid Toye   |   August 29, 2023

Brightly-colored ruffles rim the hem of traditional Spanish dress, fluttering fans stir the air, the strum of guitars, clicking castanets, and high-heeled shoes are all reminders that August has been a special time in Santa Barbara with the celebration of Old Spanish Days! Music, dance, and vaquero traditions have had their day with the Fiesta […]

La Merienda
By Lynda Millner   |   August 23, 2022

The Santa Barbara Woman’s Club gave the first La Merienda since the pandemic. Merienda translates to “snack,” but it was much more than a snack. It was a full-on Mexican dinner with tacos, guacamole, chicken, beef, and salad. Event chair Sue Ziliotto told us, “This event has been going on for 92 years.” All the […]

Fiesta Finale
By Lynda Millner   |   August 23, 2022

The John E. Profant Foundation for the Arts welcomed everyone to “Where Fiesta traditions began,” the El Paseo Restaurant for one final night of celebrating. John Profant was born in Santa Barbara on May 23, 1928. His parents, Dr. Henry and Mabel Profant, were very active in the cultural community, helping to found CAMA and […]

Fiesta Finale Fun
By Richard Mineards   |   August 23, 2022

The John E. Profant Foundation for the Arts hosted its 22nd annual Fiesta Finale gala for 144 guests at the historic El Paseo restaurant, raising around $100,000. The fun fête featured myriad entertainers, including the Martinez Brothers, Marco Labastida, Guillermo De Fazio and Giovanna Dan, soprano Camila Lima and pianist Ruy Folguera, and flamenco dancers […]

Fiesta Finale 
By Montecito Journal   |   June 21, 2022

The upcoming Fiesta celebrations will officially come to a close with the lively Fiesta Finale festivities, held at the historic El Paseo Restaurant. The event also acts as a fundraiser for the John E. Profant Foundation for the Arts. Profant himself was an active member in Fiesta celebrations and Santa Barbara’s artistic community as a […]

Fiesta Finale
By Lynda Millner   |   August 15, 2019

The John E. Profant Foundation for the Arts just held their 20th Fiesta Finale in the historic El Paseo Restaurant. That was the epicenter of Fiesta in the olden days so it’s a perfect venue. John Edward Profant was born in Santa Barbara in 1928. His parents, Dr. Henry J and Mabel Profant were very […]

Sip-Top Condition
By Richard Mineards   |   August 16, 2018

Santa Barbara Polo Club hosted its first Sip and Shop event for 250 guests next to the hallowed Holden Field. With seven vendors and a stall providing Moet & Chandon’s new champagne – with a slightly higher sugar content that can be served over ice – the fun fest was the brainchild of Kathryn Lenihan, […]

Fiesta Finale 2018
By Lynda Millner   |   July 26, 2018

Join the Profant Foundation for the Arts as they celebrate Santa Barbara traditions Sunday, August 5, 5:30 to 9 pm at the El Paseo Restaurant. There’ll be fabulous cuisine, vibrant costumes, lively music, and dancing all while raising funds for scholarships. The cover is from a poster from the 1947 movie Fiesta, which starred Ricardo […]