Spring-ing to Success

Santa Barbara City College hosted its fifth annual Spring Forward! college foundation gala on the Great Meadow on the West Campus under new CEO Bobbi Abram, who had only been on the job four days after moving from a similar position in Pasadena.

“Let the fourth be with you!” she told the more than 300 guests who helped raise around $500,000, referring to the May 4 date.

The foundation provides around $5 million annually for the SBCC for a number of programs, including SBCC Promise school success, scholarships, book grants and emergency funds as students prepare for careers, transfers to four-year university, and pursue lifelong
learning goals.

More than 2,000 students have been served this year, the highest number ever.

Auction items included a gourmet dining experience donated by chef Roberto Lopez Carrillo, a Santa Barbara Film Festival Staycation at the Mar Monte Hotel, a City College theater and wine reception, a Rose + Clay ceramics experience, and a private cooking class for ten.

Supporters included Mayor Randy Rowse, George Leis, Fred Kass, Frank Tabar, Roger Durling, Frank Schipper, Madeleine Jacobson, and Karl and Nancy Hutterer.