United Way celebrates 100 Years of Service in Santa Barbara County

The nonprofit recognized its community partners at the milestone event

Over 200 community partners, volunteers and supporters celebrated a century of service at United Way of Santa Barbara County’s 100th Anniversary Celebration on June 1 at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum. 

The event commemorated 100 years of United Way’s efforts to build brighter futures for local families through strong community partnerships. A cocktail hour was followed by dinner and a program, including the debut of United Way’s 100 Years of Service video. After United Way board chair Cliff Lundberg toasted the organization’s milestone, attendees celebrated the storied nonprofit with an evening of music and dancing.

Thanks to generous sponsors, United Way and invited guests spent the evening in celebration and thanks, honoring eight local organizations, individuals and service agencies who have played a role in the organization’s first century of service. 

This year’s award winners include:

Outstanding Workplace Award: AGIA Affinity 

Live United Award: John and Susan Hanna 

Innovation Award: The Errett Fisher Foundation 

Community Impact Award: Family Service Agency & Assistance League of Santa Barbara

Next Century of Service Award: County of Santa Barbara 

Community Partnership Award: Montecito Bank & Trust 

Century of Service Award: Cottage Health

Since 1923, United Way has empowered children, families and communities through its own unique collaborative programs and initiatives, partnership convening efforts, volunteer development and funding. United Way serves Santa Barbara County through three core initiatives: academic achievement, crisis response and recovery, and financial empowerment.

“As community needs change, evolve and grow, our work continues. 2023 marks United Way’s first steps into the next century of service and we couldn’t be more grateful to have you by our side,” Steve Ortiz, president & CEO, stated in his introductory remarks. “We are inspired by your commitment and look forward to continuing our partnership to generate innovative, sustainable and meaningful impact for those we serve.” 

Sponsors that made the evening possible included Centennial SponsorMontecito Bank & Trust; Honorary Program Sponsor Volentine Family Foundation; Platinum Sponsors City National Bank and Carrie Towbes & John Lewis;  Gold Sponsors Village Properties and Mr. G. Paul Didier; Silver Sponsors Santa Barbara Foundation, MarBorg Industries, Cottage Health, AGIA Affinity, Cliff & Diane Lundberg, Nancy Schlosser, and John & Susan Hanna; Bronze Sponsors Santa Barbara Zoo, Home Improvement Center, Anne Towbes, McCune Foundation, Mona Miyasato, The Oshay Family Foundation; and Event Underwriters & Gift in Kind Sponsors Renegade Wines, Buena Tile & Stone, Pro Garden Supply, Ventura Rentals, and Westerlay Orchids.