The Cecilia Fund held their Annual Tea and Membership meeting on April 19 at the Santa Barbara Club and it marked the 126th anniversary of what is Santa Barbara’s second oldest charity. Well over 100 members and guests enjoyed finger sandwiches and sweets and were brought up to date on the business side of the organization.
Speakers included Dr. Charles Fenzi (right), Chief Executive Officer & Chief Medical Officer of Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics. He spoke movingly about the essential role his organization plays in our community and the tremendous help The Cecilia Fund has been to their mission.
Community member and Cecilia Fund support recipient, Kari Weber (pictured below left) captivated the audience when she told the story of her breast cancer diagnosis and her road to recovery. She introduced the gathering to the genre of six-word poems, reading several she found inspirational, and finishing with a very poignant one she had written herself.
"Future mother, thanks to your generosity"
Santa Barbara Mayor Cathy Murillo presented The Cecilia Fund with a plaque commemorating their century and a quarter service to our community. Representatives from the California State Assembly and 24th District Congressman Salud Carbajal's office also presented proclamations honoring the organization.
In 2017 we approved $157,9858 in grants for individuals in need of critical medical or dental care. At this writing, we have approved $56,746 in grants. Our work goes on!
