An Evening in Bloom Gala

 Girls Inc. of Carpinteria will host its largest annual fundraiser “An Evening in Bloom” on Saturday, December 1 from 5:00pm-9:00pm at Girls Inc.’s campus at 5315 Foothill Road in Carpinteria.

This year’s gala will honor the late Dorothy Campbell for her decades of services to Girls Inc. and the Carpinteria community.

Campbell had a vision in the early 70’s to provide programming for girls in the community whose mothers worked, so they would have a place to go after school. With ten girls in her own home, she started the Girls Club, which later became Girls Inc. of Carpinteria. She grew the effort to summer camps and sports programs and in 1978, purchased the first local campus – a small bungalow on Maple Street.

Years later, the community rallied together to fund and build a 16,000-square-foot campus on Foothill Road that would serve as a vibrant place for more girls to engage, explore and express themselves. The Campaign Steering Committee included: Chair Persons Ralph & Betty Brown, George H. Allen, Verna Carter, Ernest Clark, Jr., Cynthia P. Franklin, John Franklin, Robert W. Hanrahan, Pat Horwitz, Susan Luby, Lucy Overgaag, Tisha Rosh, Lynn Scarlett, Louis V. Simon, Yolanda Simon, Marie Rodarte Tobyansen, James Trotter, Dinah Griego and Winfred Van Wingerden.

Today, 25 years later, the Girls Inc. of Carpinteria campus serves 700 girls through research-based programs, empowering them to understand, value and assert their rights.

“Thanks to Dorothy’s vision and tireless efforts, Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is proudly serving hundreds of girls and developing the next generation of strong, smart, and bold female leaders,” said Victoria Juarez, executive director of Girls Inc. Carpinteria. “As we celebrate 25 years of providing lifechanging programming at our Foothill campus, we are honored to pay tribute to Dorothy and her outstanding commitment to creating a safe and empowering place to help girls reach their full potential.”

Campbell moved to Carpinteria in 1969 and worked as a scout for Better Homes and Gardens for 17 years. She lent her talents to many Carpinteria organizations and causes over the years, including the Carpinteria Bluffs and the local League of Women Voters. She was named Carpinterian of the Year in 1982. Campbell passed away on July 20, 2018.

An Evening in Bloom will feature a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres hour, red carpet photo reception, plated dinner, hosted bar, entertainment and dancing.

This year’s event co-chairs are Dawn Howard and Lori Pearce.

Tickets are $125 and all proceeds support Girls Inc. of Carpinteria’s programs to inspire girls to be strong, smart, and bold. For more information, sponsorship opportunities or to purchase tickets, please call (805) 684-6364 or visit www.girlsinc-carp.org.

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Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is a member of Girls Incorporated®, a nonprofit organization that inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. With local roots dating to 1864 and national status since 1945, Girls Inc. has responded to the changing needs of girls through research-based programs and public education efforts that empower girls to understand, value, and assert their rights. We provide programs for girls 6 to 18 years old that focus on science, math, and technology; health and sexuality; economic and financial literacy; sports skills; leadership and advocacy; and media literacy. To learn more, become a volunteer or offer support, please visit www.girlsinc-carp.org/.