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UNITED WAY OF SANTA BARBARA COUNTY: CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF SERVICE

May 22, 2023

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Since its inception in 1923, United Way of Santa Barbara County has stood as a leading force in local programs designed to empower children, families, and communities. Through these distinctive collaborative programs, initiatives, partnership convening efforts, volunteer development, and funding, the nonprofit organization has impacted countless lives in our slice of paradise. As they celebrate their 100 year milestone, locals are invited to commemorate decades of partnership with organizations, businesses, and service agencies dedicated to building brighter futures for individuals, children, and families in our community.

An invitation to United Way of Santa Barbara's 100 Years of Service event with the event details written on top of a blue and white background


United Way Santa Barbara County's 100 Years of Service Anniversary Celebration June 1, 2023, beginning at 6 pm
The Santa Barbara Historical Museum

Join United Way of Santa Barbara County in celebration of 100 years of empowerment with a moment of reflection, gratitude, and inspiration—and a not-to-miss event on June 1! The The seated dinner, complete with music and dancing, will pay tribute to the local organizations, businesses, and service agencies that have been integral to the nonprofit's success over the past century, serving as a testament to the remarkable achievements and the unwavering commitment of supporters.

Attendees will be able to witness supporters being rewarded for working tirelessly to empower those in need through providing educational opportunities, promoting financial stability, and responding to crises. It is through these critical collaborations that United Way of Santa Barbara County has been able to create positive change and improve lives. Buy your tickets now at www.unitedwaysb.org/Anniversary-Celebration.

A chart detailing the United Way of Santa Barbara's history of service for 100 years.

A Brief History

Since 1923, United Way of Santa Barbara County has been at the forefront of empowering children, families, and communities throughout our region. By moving beyond the traditional United Way fundraising and grantmaking model, the local branch has become a hybrid organization, forging strong community partnerships and delivering direct programs and services to residents across the county. This strategic approach has allowed the nonprofit organization to target our community's ever-changing needs effectively.

United Way of Santa Barbara County's core operating model combines data-driven programming with efficient funding collaboratives to create comprehensive, community-wide initiatives. By convening key leaders from philanthropy, business, and nonprofit sectors, they address identified needs and maximize program sustainability and impact.

Over the years, this model has proved to be flexible, adaptable, and efficient, allowing the charity in its effort to match evolving needs. Through partnerships with philanthropic, municipal, and community organizations, the 501 (c)(3) has connected financial relief to support students, families, and communities in times of crisis.

Smiling child in a school room working on a computer with other kids in the background and the words Strategic Plan at the bottom

The organization has raised or managed $52.8 million for the ongoing recovery needs of the Santa Barbara community. For the past several years, United Way of Santa Barbara County has focused its efforts on three major initiatives specifically designed to improve lives and create a brighter future for everyone in Santa Barbara County. The following areas of our community's health are prioritized:

The Future

United Way of Santa Barbara County plans on maintaining its position as a critical resource in the community's crisis response efforts. As such, the organization's mission continues to focus on enriching the lives of children and families and building resilient communities through spearheading local programs and partnerships designed to improve school readiness and academic achievement as well as providing financial empowerment, and crisis response and recovery.

Four smiling youngsters, each holding a children's book in front of plants and a mosaic for the United Way

As the board of directors and staff celebrate a legacy of partnership, locals are invited to join in their efforts to sustain the next century of service. Because, as their website states, "Together, we can continue to build on our legacy of partnership, making a positive difference in the lives of thousands of individuals, children, and families throughout Santa Barbara County."

Want to be part of the journey as this revered organization embarks on its next century of service? Keep up with the latest anniversary activities by signing up for their newsletter and following their social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

I, for one, am thrilled to live in a community that supports the work of important charities like United Way of Santa Barbara County. Is there a local charity you'd like us to cover in my blog? If so, let us know!

Meanwhile, if you're considering moving within or to Santa Barbara, I invite you to call me at (805) 886-9378 or email me at Cristal@montecito-estate.com for a free consultation regarding selling and buying.


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“After considering our many choices, we are grateful it was Cristal Clarke of Sotheby’s International who represented the sale of our Montecito cottage. We are familiar with Cristal’s reputation of hard work and dedication to clients, but it was her attention to detail that made our experience so positive. She offered suggestions for staging the property, worked in harmony with potential buyers and was even able to secure back up offers. The sale of our cottage was completed much sooner than we expected, due in great part to Cristal’s professional skills and support. We highly recommend Cristal as a first choice for anyone needing representation with real estate.”

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“We met Cristal first in the course of renting a winter home (for three years), then buying a house using her as our agent. She was amazingly good at listening to our wants and showing us homes that fit our needs. Her mastery of the paperwork was perfect. Most importantly, there was never a situation where we doubted her straightforwardness or integrity. If we do another real estate transaction in Montecito (which I doubt, we’re happy with what we purchased), without question we’d use Cristal again.”

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“A little something about “our” realtor, Cristal Clarke. My wife and I came to Santa Barbara about fifteen years ago looking for a seasonal home from which to enjoy the weather and amenities of the central coast. Being in the real estate business myself I was familiar with agents and brokers so entered the market with open eyes. We “flipped” a few houses in the early years, dealing with various agents and finally ended up in Montecito. That’s when good fortune put us together with Cristal. To say we were impressed is to put it mildly. Cristal really knows the market. She is familiar with the area, its history and trends. When we have questions about a particular property she either has the answers immediately or gets back to us by phone or email. There is no waiting or wondering with Cristal. She is an agent who is “on top of it.” Her recommendations as to price points, contractors, inspectors and title agents have proven to be exceptional, showing great insight and the highest professional standards. We consider ourselves exceedingly fortunate to say that Cristal Clarke is our realtor and would recommend her services to any serious buyer or seller.”

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