For Amy Curti, and her fellow members at the collective volunteer donor group, the Women’s Fund of Northern Santa Barbara County, the power of the purse should not be underestimated.
“With my median income, I would never be able to write a check for $25,000 to an organization, but when I write my $125 check and pool it with other like-minded, bright, intelligent, forward-thinking, philanthropic women, we can make a really big difference,” Curti told the Sun. “We can make change.”
On Oct. 12 at Presqu’ile Winery in Santa Maria, the Women’s Fund awarded a total of $50,000 to three local nonprofits. The Santa Maria Philharmonic Society received $20,000, while the Ian M. Hassett Foundation and the Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA) were both awarded $15,000 each.
Katherine Fischer with the Women’s Fund said more than 100 people attended the night’s awards ceremony. The Women’s Fund makes similar donations annually. Last year’s theme was child advocacy, but this year the focus was on art education.
“I had a major investment in art education in the past—I was on the board of Orcutt’s Children’s Art Foundation for years as its president,” Curti explained. “This is something I’m really excited about.”
Curti added that women of all income levels were welcome to join the organization and to contribute. Currently there are three basic tiers for donating: One begins at $125, another at $250, while the highest level is $1,000 per year.
“The majority just pledge $125 for basic membership but we want all to feel welcome to the giving circle,” Curti said. “I’ve always believed women truly are the true philanthropists. We are nurturing and caring and we have power—the power of the purse. And with this is power, we can make a difference.”
Highlights:
• On Oct. 6, San Luis Obispo’s and Santa Maria’s Morris and Garritano Insurance received an award for the 2017 Overall Best Agency to Work For by Insurance Journal. According to the journal’s anonymous survey, Morris and Garritano has earned success by “treating employees well and always looking for ways to improve. … Every client is important to them and that provides a very encouraging work environment.”
• On Oct. 9, Buellton held a ribbon cutting highlighting the new walkway from Avenue of Flags to Highway 101. “This was a special day for Buellton as they recognized a former resident, Lew Adkins, aka ‘Scooter Lew,’ who was a persistent advocate in getting the sidewalk constructed and providing a safe way for the community to travel to and from the west side of town to the other side of the freeway,” a city press release said. Lew recently relocated back east to be closer to family, but city staff, council, and chamber of commerce members were able to video chat with Lew as the ribbon was cut.
Staff Writer Spencer Cole wrote this week’s Biz Spotlight. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, mail, or email at spotlight@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Oct 19-26, 2017.
