United Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County Hosted 9th Annual Community Breakfast Featuring Key Note Speaker Jack Canfield, Author of Chicken Soup for the Soul
The event featured keynote speaker and writer Jack Canfield who is best known for his delightful stories in his Chicken Soup for the Soul series, which have brought smiles, tears and inspiration to so many worldwide. Mr. Canfield delighted and inspired the audience with his message of setting goals for one’s self, visualizing the goals, and to not give up on ones goals no matter your age.
This event was one of many sponsored by The United Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County during the week of April 8 – 12, 2013, which was National Boys and Girls Club Week.
Over 200 guests were personally greeted and thanked by kids of the Westside and Goleta Clubs while surrounded by childhood photos of Denzel Washington and other stars who are alumni and national spokespersons for Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
Emcee Randy Weiss of Union Bank welcomed the audience and thanked them for their attendance. Local supporters of the event included Mayor Helene Schneider, Police Chief Cam Sanchez, County Supervisor Janet Wolf, District Attorney Joyce Dudley, Bob and Patty Bryant, Alixe and Mark Mattingly, Patty DeDominic and Gene Sinser, Dennis Forster, John Dixon, Alice Willfong, Renee Grubb, Ray Seider, David Pintard, Robert Gilson, Patty Aubrey, Matt Marquis, Larry “Mr. Santa Barbara” Crandell, Ron and Laurie Cortezz, Carolyn Brown and David Edelman.
Also introduced were 42 year UBGC employee and legend Sal Rodriguez, UBGC Board President Diana Starr Langley and new Executive Director Gina Carbajal. A brief speech by 2013 Youth of the Year Andrea Gallarado brought a few tears.
The value of UBGC to kids and families was brought to light by Forester team manager and NY Yankee baseball scout Bill Pintard when he described his own personal experience as a single dad and the role the Carpinteria Boys and Girls Club played in helping him raise his boys.
UBGC would like to thank event sponsors Santa Barbara Bank & Trust/Union Bank, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, Milpas Motors, and Paul and Karen Menzel for their continued support.
The proceeds raised during the Annual Breakfast will help support UBGC provide much needed afterschool and summer programs such as: tutoring, reading comprehension, character and leadership building, healthy lifestyles, art, sports, fitness and recreation for low-income children that attend the Carpentaria Club, Westside Santa Barbara Club, Goleta Club, and Lompoc Club which make up the four clubs under UBGC countywide umbrella.
About the United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County
Today the United Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County serve communities throughout Santa Barbara County, helping over 7,000 youth. Most youth come to the Clubs voluntarily to be with friends, participate in sports, and engage in educational activities. Children may be referred to the Clubs by schools, counselors, or other agencies as a means to gain a positive experience socially, educationally, physically, and emotionally under guidance of caring adults. For more information contact Sal Rodriguez at 805-681-1315
