Great Futures Gala

This fall gala put on by the United Boys & Girls Clubs (UBGC) of Santa Barbara County for 35 years raises much needed funds for the ten clubs and their development programs for the 2,000 kids they serve annually. This is where Great Futures begin at this fundraiser at the Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel. Exxon Mobile was the premier sponsor.

We were asked to wear our favorite shade of blue because that is the color of the Boys & Girls Clubs. Cocktail hour was held on the grass and ballroom lobby. The photo op was a stage with a mass of blue balloons. The ballroom was bathed in a blue light with the tables adorned in white feathers (instead of flowers) in very tall glass vases. The stunning crystal chandeliers overhead completed the scene and was a sight to behold.

While we ate a delicious filet mignon the auctioneer Bill Hoffer started the “bid for kids” paddle raise and the live auction. UBGC helps children ages 5-18 years old from ten locations across the county. It is a member of the national organization. Their mission is “to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.”  They emphasize in their programs three priority outcomes: academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles.

In 2001 UBGC consolidated as one organization serving Santa Barbara County including managing CampWhittier, a 55-acre residential camp in the Santa Ynez mountains near Lake Cachuma. UBGC now includes Buellton. They oversee a budget of over $3 million raised from a variety of means.

96% of the members are on target to graduate and 80% attend regularly. Over half take part in some form of physical activity most of the week. During the “Bids for Kids” at the gala $125,000 was raised to help maintain their mission. Michael Baker is CEO with Tony Vallejo as chairman of the board and Jim Crook as advisory. The two ladies who arranged this lovely affair were Louise Cruz and Dr. Carol Del Ciello, both board members.

If you would like to help out, call 805.681.1315 for information.