‘Unite to Light the Night’ Ignites Fun and Fundraising at Santa Barbara Community Arts Workshop

“Unite to Light the Night” art festival and fundraiser was a vibrant success. The third annual event, held October 18-19, raised more than $145,000 to further Unite to Light’s mission of providing solar light and power to the 750 million people worldwide who live without electricity. 

Money raised will support initiatives such as creating Light Libraries in schools across Zambia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia. In addition, funds will be used for disaster relief efforts, building on previous partnerships during Hurricane Helene, where Unite to Light worked with World Central Kitchen, Direct Relief, and ShelterBox to provide solar lights, and solar power for phone charging and Wi-Fi hotspots for affected communities in North Carolina. 

More than 50 artists and performers who used light as either their medium or inspiration were showcased at the two-day, three-pronged event held at Community Arts Workshop. All three events — the Glow Gala VIP night for sponsors and supporters; the Community Showcase, which was free and open to the public; and the Bright Bash, a lively dance party — were set among the art exhibition allowing more than 500 attendees to interact with and explore.

“Unite to Light the Night was a shining example of how art, community, and philanthropy can come together to light up lives across the globe,” said Megan Birney Rudert, Unite to Light’s President and CEO.

The nonprofit Unite to Light manufactures and distributes efficient, durable, low-cost solar lamps and solar chargers to people living without electricity. Since 2011, they have delivered more than 250,000 solar lights and chargers to people in 80 countries. For more information, see UnitetoLight.org.