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(Photos by Brigette Ginter)
By Lauren Bray, edhat staff
Pacific Pride Foundation held a grand opening of their new space on Anacapa Street with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday.
Santa Barbara Mayor Helene Schneider cut the ribbon with Executive Director Colette Schabram amongst fifty or so enthusiastic community members. Mayor-elect Cathy Murillo was also in attendance, as well as Thomas Parker, President of the Hutton Parker Foundation.
Cathy Murillo, Helene Schneider, Thomas Parker, and Colette Schabram
The Hutton Parker Foundation specializes in providing quality office space for local area nonprofit organizations through the acquisition and development of commercial real estate properties. They are largely credited for helping the Pacific Pride offices move from Haley Street to the brand-new space at 608 Anacapa Street, Suite A, part of the former location of Arch Rock Restaurant.
Community members toured the new offices designed by Marc Normand Gelinas Interior Design, which included an updated kitchen and all-gender bathrooms, as well as the Health Utility Vehicle. A silent auction took place in the new conference room that included a shopping spree at Deckers.
Local food, beer, and wine were served next door on the roof of Antioch University while DJ Darla Bea spun records and the 2017 Queen of Pride, Maddy Mokes, greeted guests.
2017 Queen of Pride Maddy Mokes
Pacific Pride reaches 10,000 people a year with their counseling, youth services, trainings, events, and programs for the LGBTQ+ community. Opening in 1975, Pacific Pride works diligently to promote activities that further define and advance the political, social and cultural agenda of the LGBTQ+ community. Learn more at pacificpride.org.
