SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Symphony, Montecito Bank & Trust and Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts partnered to raise and contribute $32,000 to United Way of Santa Barbara County for flood disaster relief with a free community concert at The Granada Theatre Jan. 18.
“Music for Healing and the Community” brought a supportive gathering place to the South Coast and featured a concert led by Maestro Nir Kabaretti and featuring Artist-in-Residence, Pablo Sainz Villegas, accompanied by orchestra. Nearly 1,500 free tickets were distributed for the intimate and uplifting performance.
“I was incredibly moved by the generous response of the community and our musicians,” said Kevin A. Marvin, Executive Director for the Santa Barbara Symphony. “Through tragedy, we have been humbled, and that night allowed us to come together as a community to begin the healing process.”
The event raised $22,275 for disaster relief, and Montecito Bank & Trust donated an additional $10,000.
“This community is heartbroken – for our friends, our families and our neighbors,” Montecito Bank & Trust Chairman and CEO Janet Garufis said. “We are looking for ways to come together and support each other, and this concert was a true testament to how the power of music can carry our hearts to a place of peace. We are strong, we are resilient, we are generous, and I have every belief that we will continue to heal and move forward – together.”
Craig Springer, President and CEO of the Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts, noted that “it was an honor to be part of this community partnership.”
“A strong community is one that comes together in times of crisis,” he said. “The evening was a beautiful celebration of this strength and the resilience of the Santa Barbara community.”
The funds will be donated to United Way of Santa Barbara County, which will coordinate with strategic community partners to determine the most appropriate organizations, families and individuals to receive funding, based on the direct needs of those affected. One-hundred percent of the donations will support those in communities affected by the wildfires and flooding.
“The last several weeks have been incredibly difficult, and Music for Healing and the Community proved to be a great way to bring people together to enjoy the beauty this town is capable of,” said Steve Ortiz, President and CEO of United Way of Santa Barbara County. “Not only was there an incredible performance, but we also saw people open their hearts in support of everyone impacted by these terrible disasters. We’re so grateful for everyone who helped make this possible.”
To contribute to United Way of Santa Barbara County for fire and flood relief, visit unitedwaysb.org, call (805) 965-8591, or send checks to United Way of Santa Barbara County, 320 E. Gutierrez St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Please write “Thomas Fire/Flood Fund- SB” in the memo.
United Way of Santa Barbara County: United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) has the unique and positive vision that “in our community, everyone has a hopeful future.” Since 1923, UWSBC has served Santa Barbara County community through funding, volunteer development, and by utilizing its own unique initiatives that involve dozens of local non-profit and public sector agencies. UWSBC’s local community driven Power of Partnership™ priorities help children, families & seniors with a focus on Education, Income and Health.