$1-million donation to community groups goes right to work on the Central Coast
MONTECITO, Calif. - A $1-million donation from Montecito Bank & Trust did not go overlooked by back-to-back disasters last week. It was issued just before a major fire and rain event hit the area.
The Community Dividends luncheon to kick off Thanksgiving week was started by the late founder of the bank, Michael Towbes 17 years ago. The charitable contribution this year went to 188 organizations. They are located from Westlake Village to Solvang.
They were mainly for the arts, senior services, educational groups and programs for children.
Representatives were treated to a holiday lunch as the Four Seasons Biltmore Coral Casino to learn about the annual event and the history of the program.
This year also kicked off the first Michael Towbes Community Impact Grant. It went to the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission which recently went through a sweeping remodel that included new sleeping areas, showers, restrooms and dining. Director Rolf Geyling accepted the $100,000 check for his program that helps men, women and families living in challenging circumstances. "One way we make it through whatever we may be facing in our lives is to pay attention to the needs of others and to do something about it," he said. This larger grant will be available to one or more groups in the coming year.
California Missions Foundation Director David Bolton was a recipient. He enjoyed seeing other non-profits in one place for the good of the community. "It is the one opportunity myself and others have to come in and feel that energy and synergy. There is so much excitement. So much good," he said.
Montecito Bank & Trust Chairman of the Board and CEO, Janet Garufis said, "as we enter this season of Thanksgiving we are grateful for what you do to lift up our community. You deserve an enormous thank you."
The funds are now going right to work.
Village Properties Teacher's Fund representative Jessica Hernandez said the donation would buy, "sustainable items, books, tables, flexible seating options whatever the teachers need in their classrooms We definitely try to fund everything that they need."
Also serving education is Geoff Green with the Foundation for Santa Barbara City College. "We are really here to remove financial barriers in particular so it will go for everything from emergency funds to scholarships to the SBCC promise."
In looking around the room at the other recipients, Green said, "if you want to know what makes this place special, it is the folks in this room."
Bolton add to that, "and it shows the most special thing this town has and that is contributions from big organizations to help so many people to make this town a better town."
For more information go to: https://montecito.bank/
