Girls Inc. Luncheon Honors Inspirational Women
Recognizing heroic local women is a hallmark of the annual luncheon, which serves as a key to raising awareness and funds for the organization’s mission to cultivate confident, successful girls.
This year’s event features keynote speaker Kathleen de Chadenedes, professional chef and sustainable foods advocate who currents serves as Director of the Orfalea Fund’s s’Cool Food Initiative, a program that works to empower Santa Barbara County school districts to implement and sustain nourishing, cook from-scratch food service operations offering as much locally-procured food as possible.
“School gardens do so much more than grow food,” de Chadenedes said. “They plant the seeds of a lifelong love of gardening and healthy eating habits.”
Women of Inspiration is co-chaired by Nini Seamen and Sandra Tyler. According to Seamen, “Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is dedicated to improving the lives and the futures of local girls. This year’s luncheon is themed Garden to Table for its focus on locally grown, healthy foods and their growing role in our organization. Girls Inc.’s expanded gardening and cooking programs encourage an enhanced connection between youths and the foods they eat and an increased understanding the importance of fresh foods to their health.”
The luncheon will also honor four women whose achievements in Santa Barbara County make them important role models for local girls. Marni Cooney, Janet Garufis, Janet McCann and Meredith Scott will receive well-deserved recognition for their myriad accomplishments. Scott has served the Santa Barbara community as an active volunteer for several non-profit organizations including the Children’s Creative Project, CALM, Assistance League of Santa Barbara, the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara and Casa Pacifica. McCann is co-owner and Vice President of Hazelwood Allied and McCann Mini Storage, LLC, both headquartered in Carpinteria. She is a current real estate broker and devotes her time as a volunteer and philanthropist to several local charitable foundations. Garufis, who is also very active with local non-profits, accepted her current position as president and chief executive officer of Montecito Bank & Trust in September 2006. Cooney is a longtime community volunteer and philanthropist. She is also the co-chair of the Family Service Agency’s Board of Directors.
The ticket price for the luncheon is $60. To purchase tickets email jaci@girlsinc-carp.org or (805) 684-6364.
About Girls Incorporated of Carpinteria
Girls Incorporated is a nonprofit organization that inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. We provide programs for girls 6 to 18 years old that focus on science, math, and technology; health; financial literacy; sports skills; leadership and advocacy; and media literacy. Call (805) 684-6364 or visit www.girlsinc-carp.org.