United Way’s Red Feather Ball raises $400,000 for Local Youth Academic Programming

The event also celebrated the organization’s 100th anniversary in Santa Barbara County

United Way of Santa Barbara County’s 26^th Annual Red Feather Ball raised nearly $400,000 to support programs in United Way’s Academic Achievement initiative, including the national award-winning Fun in the Sun summer learning program. This year’s gala, themed A Diamond Celebration, also celebrated the organization’s centennial anniversary in Santa Barbara County. The Diamond Feather sponsor of the event was U.S. Bank. 

Held at the Montecito Club in Santa Barbara on Oct. 13, this annual event honored the role the organization has played in the community’s longstanding tradition of care and commitment to local families and students. Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by dinner, a program and scholarship auction, and dancing. The event also premiered the 26^th annual Fun in the Sun program video, highlighting the impact of the organization’s local work in academic achievement. 

The event was co-chaired by local sisters Belle and Lily Hahn and recognized Truman Davies and Xorin Balbes as honorary event co-chairs. The event committee included Noemie Brish, Alice Hampton, Julie Heider-Gray, Melissa Henderson, Erin Moy Vik, Holly Onak, Amber Ortiz and Vanessa Ringel. Since 1997, the Red Feather Ball has provided an opportunity for donors to support local programs that continue to demonstrate significant impact on the academic trajectory of low-resource students. Thanks to generous event sponsors like the Zegar Family Foundation, Bob and Val Montgomery, City National Bank, and other community organizations and individuals, 100% of event proceeds will benefit the children and families served through United Way programs like the Fun in the Sun and the United Learning Center, which provide after-school, one-on-one academic support and resources to young scholars. Between each of these academic programs, United Way serves hundreds of children and their families each year.

The 26^th annual Red Feather Ball exceeded fundraising expectations, setting a record for the fourth year in a row in total event proceeds. These funds will be used to support key program expansions as United Way’s key partnerships with school districts and community organizations continue to grow. 

“The Red Feather Ball is a powerful reminder of United Way’s ongoing legacy of building more resilient communities over the past 100 years,” said Steve Ortiz, president and CEO of United Way. “The generosity of our donors and community partners make a critical impact on our ability to provide these essential educational programs and initiatives for the people of Santa Barbara County.”

To learn more about United Way of Santa Barbara County and its initiatives, visit https://www.unitedwaysb.org/. To view the Fun in the Sun highlight video, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AefWFvwESAM&t=2s.

Thank you to the 2023 Red Feather Ball Event Sponsors: 

Diamond Feather Sponsor

Zegar Family Foundation

Red Feather Sponsor

Zegar Family Foundation

Platinum Feather Sponsor

Bob and Val Montgomery

Gold Feather Sponsors

City National Bank, Xorin Balbes, Truman Davies, Jim Semick

Silver Feather Sponsors

Bechtel, Cottage Health, Belle Hahn, Lily Hahn, Susan Kalt, Kayne Anderson Rudnick Wealth Advisors, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians

Bronze Feather Sponsors

AGIA Affinity, Deirdre Hade Arntz, Casa Dorinda, John and Susan Hanna, Klein DeNatale Goldner, Julie Heider-Gray, Cliff and Diane Lundberg, David Reichert, Vanessa Ringel, Santa Barbara City College Foundation, Northern Trust, Erin Moy Vik 

Vip Feather Sponsors

Noemie and Liron Brish, Maria Chesley, Schuyler Deerman, Paul Didier, David Flattery, Melissa and Seth Henderson, Rick Oshay and Teresa Kuskey, Sara and Scott Loncki, Arthur Merovick, Mosher Foundation, Gina and Lee Nelson, Laurie Rosenthal, Santa Barbara Foundation, Rick Scott, Dennis Forster and Cynder Sinclair, Anne Towbes

Event Underwriters 

City National Bank, Brander Vineyards, Merryl Brown Events, Isaac Hernandez de Lipa