Mayors step out for charity
By Samantha Yale Scroggin/Staff Writer

Northern Santa Barbara County’s mayors united for a special ball in Buellton to raise money for a nonprofit organization Saturday night.

The Northern Santa Barbara County United Way Mayors’ Ball occurred at the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott.

In its third year, the ball also paid tribute to the 50th anniversary of United Way, which according to the organization works to build stronger communities through education, finance and health.

Mayors and officials from throughout the North County along with other community members attended the ball, which featured dinner and dancing.

“I love it,” said Santa Maria Mayor Larry Lavagnino as he sat at one of a number of round tables decked out with gold table clothes and red floral centerpieces.  “It’s a really fun night, and it’s just for a great cause.”

The Buellton and Solvang mayors similarly praised the event and the work of United Way.  “United Way of course does a lot for the community year round,” said Buellton Mayor Russ Hicks.  “It’s a good organization to stay behind,” he said.

United Way takes care of the lesser known charities, and ones that can’t afford to hold fundraisers, Solvang Mayor Jim Richardson said. The Mayors’ Ball brings the community together for a good cause, he added.

Eddie Taylor, chief executive officer for the North County United Way, said the ball is a major event fundraiser for the organization.  “The idea was generated around building bridges between the community in Santa Barbara County,” he said.  Taylor said the event has been a “great success” since its inception.  “Obviously it’s down a little this year, but that’s to be expected,” he said of attendance.

Both “plain and fancy” clothes were accepted at the affair, according to organizers, so the dress code was open to a range of possibilities. Most attendees dressed nicely but not in formal wear.

The reception kicked off with the music of 1950s Motown, which also is marking its 50th year. New West Catering provided the meals. Dancing followed dinner.

“It’s not a typical kind of event. It’s really fun-oriented,” Taylor said. He said the mayors help to unite everyone.

Attendee Judy Frost, a trustee of the Santa Barbara Foundation, a philanthropic organization, and a Santa Maria resident, also said the occasion is fun, in addition to being special.  “It’s a ball,” she added.

Hugh Rafferty, the chairman of the board of directors for Vandenberg Village-based CoastHills Federal Credit Union, was seated at a table with others from the credit union.  “We’re a big community supporter,” he said. 

Rafferty said the community would be in “tough shape” without United Way.

Major sponsors for the ball included Exxon Mobil Corporation, Pacific Gas and Electric Company and KCOY.

June 14, 2009

Local car dealers host formula, diaper drive

Some local auto dealers are pinching in to help the Northern Santa Barbara County United Way gather formula and diapers for those in need during these bad economic times.  Jon Bachman at the Crossroads Auto Center recently contacted the Northern Santa Barbara County United Way to offer support to the community.

“I understand that these are hard times and the local charities have a shortage of funds and also formula and diapers. We’d like to help,” Bachman said.

Monetary donations, formula and diapers will be accepted at the Crossroad s Auto Center, off Betteravia Road, in Santa Maria through July 4 to support those in need.  “If we would all do a little it will make a huge difference,” says Pat Cusack, who co-owns several local dealerships.

Partnering in the effort are United Way, Community Volkswagen of Santa Maria, BMW, Toyota and Honda, which are all located at the Crossroads Auto Center.

For more information on donations, contact the Northern Santa Barbara County United Way office at 922-0329, Ext. 105