Tag archives: SBEF

The 9th Annual American Riviera Classic returns to Santa Barbara May 15-17, drawing players from across the country for a weekend of spirited competition and community fun. Athletes from 10 states will compete in one of the region’s premier pickleball events, known as much for its lively atmosphere as its on-court action. Beyond the matches, […]

The Santa Barbara Education Foundation (SBEF) will mark a major milestone with its 40th Celebration: Strong Roots Supporting Bright Futures on April 23, bringing together community leaders, educators, and supporters to honor four decades of investment in public education. The evening will feature a hosted reception, plated dinner, live music by SBUSD students and alumni, […]

The Santa Barbara Education Foundation held its annual Hope Awards at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum honoring local heroes of public education with 160 guests raising more than $50,000 with a paddle raise benefitting the Teacher Grants program, which has given 387 grants since 2018 with more than $685,000 invested in classrooms. The two recipients […]

Santa Barbara Education Foundation hosted its annual Love of Literacy lunch at the Rockwood Woman’s Club with a sold-out crowd of 200 raising more than $49,000 for the cause. The bibliophile bash, chaired by Tisha Ford, featured prolific author Thomas Sanchez, 79, a descendant of Spanish immigrants and Portuguese cattlemen, who has lived in Paris, […]

Having books in the home has been proven to positively benefit children in many different ways. One 20-year study found that the mere presence of a home library, no matter how small, not only increases children’s vocabulary development and literacy, but also leads to increases in attention, academic success, and, eventually, job attainment.  The Santa […]

Largesse reigned supreme when the Santa Barbara Education Foundation held its annual Hope Awards at the historical museum honoring Senator Monique Limón, who served two terms on the Santa Barbara Unified School District, and Abe Jahadhmy, former athletic director for San Marcos High School until his retirement this year. Musical entertainment was provided by the […]

After three years as Opera Santa Barbara’s Director of Development, Nina Dunbar is leaving to become Donor Advisement Officer at the Santa Barbara Education Foundation. In her new role, Dunbar will be overseeing the organization’s relationship with major donors involving supporting programs that enrich the academic, artistic, and personal development of Santa Barbara Unified School […]

The Santa Barbara Education Foundation’s annual Hope Awards will mark its return to the Historical Museum on April 28 after the pandemic scuttled the in-person gala in 2021. The doors to the Historical Museum will open at 5:30 pm to an evening of local food, drink, and a chance to show some extra support. The […]

Two years ago, COVID-19 was simply an outlier, something that seemed to be impacting “others” and not destined to alter life as we all know it. Some 23 months ago, life did change. For business owners. For politicians. For children. And it put our teachers to the test. But this wasn’t one they could study […]

Santa Barbara Education Foundation Executive Director Margie Yahyavi was reluctant to have her office visible during our Zoom call last week, even going so far as to employ a virtual background of a rustic cabin complete with a woodburning stove in place of her actual surroundings.  “Oh my God, this office is insane,” Yahyavi said. […]