A Pot of Gold Under the Rainbow!

Our annual Spring Fundraiser in Santa Maria asked guests to “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” for a night of fun and philanthropy. Our supporters did not disappoint, and helped us find a pot of gold “somewhere over the rainbow” after an evening of drinks, food, silent and live auctions and a very special fund-a-need appeal with very generous gifts.  

Over 200 guests came to the Emerald City that our creative and hardworking committee of volunteers helped to create in the Radisson hotel ballroom, where they were treated to champagne upon arrival and a bevy of unique and interesting silent auction items they could electronically bid on.  There was a lot of oohing and aahing at the exciting array of delights!  After dinner and a very lively dessert auction, the live auction was a lot of fun with bids on trips, unique experiences (did someone say murder/mystery party?) dining opportunities, and sporting events. 

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast’s Youth of the Year, Abraham Carillo-Galindo, a senior at Santa Maria High School and the president of our Keystone Club leadership program, shared his story as a Club Member who will be embarking on his college career with a full ride scholarship to Brown University in the Fall.  He shared how his time with the Boys & Girls Club and the leadership and community service opportunities he has experience helped shape him into a young person ready to take on the enormous change and hard work that will come with starting college across the country.  The crowd was impressed with this young man’s story, his confidence and his engaging way of to talking to the crowd.  Not surprisingly, when asked to make donations to our Fund A Need appeal, the paddles were raised high!  Our supporters know their generosity is the reason why we can support great kids like Abraham. 

We are pleased to report that over $140,000 was raised at this event!  Our next major fundraiser will be the 25th Annual Ag for Youth Golf Tournament to be held on July 22nd at the Santa Maria Country Club.  For more information on our events and how you can participate, please contact Kelly Brickey at [email protected] or call (805) 354-7421.