Who Will Benefit from 2011 Triathlon Fundraising?

With charitable donations to local nonprofits totaling more than $400,000 to date, fundraising to support community needs has been an integral part of the Santa Barbara Triathlon since its inception. One of the primary benefits of the presenting sponsorship is choosing the event’s official charity.This year, Montecito Bank & Trust selected The Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation which resulted in significant financial support of their ongoing mission through the Triathlon.

Montecito Bank & Trust will again be the Triathlon’s 2011 presenting sponsor and is adding a new competitive twist for the selection of the official charity. For 2011, the bank is generously inviting the public to select the official charity. Visit the voting website before February 2011 to vote for one of eight nonprofit finalists. The lucky nonprofit selected will be the beneficiary of all funds raised by the Triathlon’s sponsors, athletes, staff and volunteers in 2011.

The Santa Barbara Triathlon’s goal is $50,000. Voting is open to everyone so spread the word and be sure to cast your vote.

Montecito Bank & Trust is a locally owned community bank founded in 1975. Proudly celebrating its 35th anniversary, it is known for its ongoing support of the community through unique philanthropic programs such as Community Dividends® and Anniversary GrantsSM. The bank has branch offices in Santa Barbara, Goleta, Solvang, Montecito, Carpinteria, Ventura and Westlake Village. Montecito Bank & Trust is the only bank to be designated a Super Premier or Premier Performing Bank for the last ten years by The Findley Reports, an independent service which rates the financial performance of California banks. For a list of branch locations and hours or for more information about Montecito Bank & Trust visit montecito.com.

The Santa Barbara Triathlon, one of the oldest in the country, attracts more than 2,000 triathletes and thousands of spectators annually. The event weekend includes a long course on Saturday and two shorter sprint course options on Sunday, one of which is for women-only and another for parent and child teams. Varying categories provide a variety of opportunities for participants across a spectrum of ages, abilities and intensity levels. While challenging themselves physically in the Pacific Ocean, along scenic country lanes and oceanside roads, the competitors buffer physical pain with breathtaking sights that include the Carpinteria Flower Fields, the Channel Islands and Santa Barbara’s cliffs and beaches. A beach festival with music, food and entertainment awaits the triathletes as they cross the finish line. The event is open to the public and free to attend. To inquire about competing, volunteering or for more event information visit the Santa Barbara Triathlon