An Evening in Bloom

The 1920s came roaring into Carpinteria to the Girls Inc. facility recently for their annual “An Evening in Bloom” fundraiser. Two-hundred folks dug into their closets and found furs and feathers, ropes of pearls, glitter and glam, even a gentleman in a real raccoon coat that his family owned. There was a gambling casino (proceeds to Girls Inc.), a Dessert Dash, a silent auction, and a professional auctioneer touting trips to Italy, Bali, dinners for 10, and staycations. A special treat was a live jazz band from Cate School, as well as a speakeasy for cocktails. The premier sponsor was Pacific Dutch Group followed by a host of others.

Honorees were Diana and Clyde Freeman, who have great passion and dedication to building better futures for our youth. Diana is not only a mother, but a great grandmother who is busy with many groups. She joined the Girls Inc. board for five years and was secretary for three. She is past president of Carpinteria Beautiful, organized the Home & Garden Tour, and the lists goes on.

Clyde is a senior vice president with Montecito Bank & Trust and has been involved with Girls Inc. for more than 12 years, serving as board president. He has been a resident of Carpinteria for 35 years, participating in Carpinteria Beautiful, the Historical Society, Chamber of Commerce, and much more.

During a typical year, Girls Inc. of Carpinteria serves more than 1,000 youth. Board President Lori Pearce and Executive Director Jamie Collins want you to know, “our mission of inspiring girls to be strong, smart, and bold is realized through programs, social, political and economic success. In partnership with local schools and community organizations, we focus on the development of the whole girl. Our comprehensive approach helps girls to value themselves, take risks, and discover and develop their inherent strengths. The combination of long-lasting mentoring relationships, a pro-girl environment, and research-based programming equips girls to navigate gender, economic and social barriers, so they grow up healthy, educated, and independent.”

The national Girls Inc. organiation is celebrating 50 years. The Carpinteria group affiliated in 1983 so keep on with the “Strong, Smart, and Bold.”