An Evening in Bloom

The Girls Inc. of Carpinteria gym became a Polynesian paradise for their “An Evening in Bloom” themed fundraiser. Orchids abounded including leis for the guests. All the ladies wore flowered prints and guys got out their Hawaiian shirts. Mai Tais were de rigueur during cocktail hour and the silent auction was busy. The evening was honoring the late Ann Garcelon, who invested in local girls through Girls Inc.’s Legacy Society.

Garcelon was a successful journalist who came to a Girls Inc. luncheon some years ago. She was impressed with what she saw but was in ill health so couldn’t really volunteer. Instead, when Ann passed away on June 5, 2018, she left a generous bequest to Carpinteria Girls Inc.

Some of her words that were never published were: “We have so much to be grateful for. These difficult days, I think people are realizing that every day is a gift. I’m making an effort, just right where I am, to make what contacts I have with others just a little warmer, a little more genuine, even if it’s with the carryout boy at the grocery store, to stop and look at everyone as a special being. Because the truth is: everyone is a special being.”

Making the magic happen in the gym were co-chairs Stefanie Herrington and Ed Van Wingerden and their committee. And one can’t ever forget the sponsors: The title ones were Mike Palmer, CARP Growers, Ever-Bloom and Kaisa & Barry Brand. Dinner was catered by The Food Liaison and The Rincons kept the merriment going for dancing.

Guests had to dash for their dessert. Is that good for the waistline? Each table took bids and whatever one had the most in donations, got to run to the dessert table and take a cake back. They hoped to raise $600 per table.

According to executive director Jamie Collins this was the biggest Evening in Bloom ever with 300 guests. Girls Inc. served 1,100 girls last year for Carpinteria and Santa Paula.

Professional auctioneer Larry Snyder kept the paddles working. You could go to Big Bear, or Kauai, or Tuscany. Chef Sly was to do a dinner for 20 but sadly he passed away recently. Chef Michael Hutchings is pitching in for Sly using his menu and recipes.

Girls Inc. was founded in Carpinteria in 1971 as a summer camp for 33 girls. Year-round programming began in 1975. They purchased a two-bedroom house in 1978 and affiliated with Girls Clubs of America in 1982. In 1994 they began a $2 million capital campaign and now have a 16,000 square foot facility which tripled its capacity. As they say, “You’ve come a long way, baby” as Girls Inc. continues to teach “strong, smart and bold.”