By Staff Report Friday, October 23rd, 2026

By Staff Report

In recognition of National Give to Women & Girls Day, WEV brought together community members, philanthropists and advocates at La Cumbre Country Club for its annual League of Extraordinary Women Luncheon.

Held Oct. 7, the gathering celebrated WEV’s work in the community since being founded in 1991. Since its inception, WEV has worked to ensure women have access to the education, training, financial resources and support they need to shape their own futures. 

“As today demonstrates, WEV is a community, a collective, a village…and a force for change,” said WEV CEO Nicki Parr. 

The luncheon also honored Kelly Mooney, founder and CEO of Equipt Women and chairperson of Giving List Women, with the 2026 WEV Trailblazer Award. Mooney was honored for her leadership and commitment to creating opportunities for other women. Her recognition reflected the spirit of the gathering: progress happens when people use their influence and resources to help open doors for others. 

WEV’s League of Extraordinary Women is an annual giving circle of over 180 women and men who support women’s economic empowerment through collective giving. Their investment helps WEV make opportunities accessible to women who might otherwise be unable to afford them, creating more pathways to financial stability and independence.

MIXER FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

Meet Your Girls, a monthly mixer for women business owners, will celebrate its second anniversary with a bash — Pop the Bubbly: Meet Your Girls Turns 2! — a free event on Oct. 28 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at CrossHatch Winery, 111 E. Haley St. in Santa Barbara. Founder Nicole Michelle Wald will use the evening to honor the women who have made it possible and make a major announcement about the community’s next chapter.

Meet Your Girls is always free of charge. Women can RSVP for the October 28 bash and sign up to receive future reminders at iamnicolemichelle.com/meetyourgirls.

“This work is part of my mission to increase the wealth, confidence and influence of women entrepreneurs,” said Wald, who’s also on the board of the Santa Barbara chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners. “When a woman builds a more powerful business, the impact doesn’t stop with her –– it ripples out into the communities she’s a part of.”

CAMPAIGN NEARING COMPLETION 

The capital raise for Goleta Valley Library interior design recently hit a huge milestone. Since launching in February 2026, the campaign has raised $1.22 million toward its goal of $1.7 million. 

At 72.06% complete, the campaign is now very close to securing the remaining funds needed to bring our residents’ vision to life of upgraded furniture, new bookshelves, modern seating, reservable study pods and refreshed spaces throughout the library, according to the press release.

Learn more at GoletaValleyLibrary.org/BuildingForward.

“The honor of witnessing our patrons’ support for their home library has been simply incredible,” said City Librarian Elizabeth Saucedo. “Hearing the stories of what Goleta Valley Library means to them — and what they are most looking forward to when it reopens – has been a very special experience.”

SUCCESSFUL EVENT

United Way of Santa Barbara County’s 29th Annual Red Feather Ball achieved another year of success, supporting community programs and services across United Way’s core focus areas. This year’s gala, themed Infinite Horizons,welcomed donors, partners and community members to celebrate United Way’s growing impact. 

The event was sponsored by title sponsor U.S. Bank and more than 20 additional corporate and individual sponsors and underwriters. Thanks to generous sponsors, 100% of event proceeds will benefit the children and families United Way serves through its programs. Learn more at unitedwaysb.org.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Catherine Brozowski, executive director of the Audacious Foundation, and Chuck Flacks, homelessness services coordinator for the city of Goleta and former president of LEAP’s board of directors, will be honored at the 2027 LEAP Awards, alongside Dr. Jesus Fandino, who will be recognized as Distinguished Alumnus. 

The 2027 LEAP Awards Luncheon will be held at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort on Feb. 26. The lunch will bring together community leaders, philanthropists and partners who believe in creating thriving futures for children and families.

Proceeds from the LEAP Awards will directly support community services, including early education programs and children’s centers, the Family Resource Center and the Diaper Bank, providing essential supplies to families in need.

Tickets and tables are on sale now and may be purchased online at leapcentralcoast.org/event/2027-leap-awards/.

MONEY AVAILABLE

The city of Lompoc is making funds available to nonprofit agencies and other organizations under the Community Development Block Grant Program and local Human Service Funds for fiscal year 2027-2028. Grants will be awarded at a $15,000 minimum. 

To apply for funding, interested applicants must attend a mandatory pre-application workshop and community needs assessment held on Nov. 4 at 10 a.m. at City Hall at 100 Civic Center Plaza in Lompoc. CDBG applications will be available on the city’s website at cityoflompoc.com through the Neighborly Software Program. The deadline for submission of completed applications is Dec. 3 at 3 p.m. 

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