Foodbank Teams up with Montecito Bank & Trust and the Santa Barbara Triathlon

The Santa Barbara Triathlon, in its 32nd year is one of the world’s oldest triathlons and attracts some of the world’s fittest athletes and yet also encourages the athlete in all of us. This year, the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County has been selected as the non-profit beneficiary for all charitable donations and will have nine Foodbankers competing in the event, including the Chief Executive Officer, Erik Talkin.

“Foodbank staff is now walking the talk, or hopefully running, swimming and biking the walk. Nine of us will be competing in the Santa Barbara Triathlon, conveyed Chief Operating Officer, Erik Talkin, who laughed that he will be competing ‘though only with himself’ along with his wife, Mari, and two of his children, Felix and Ella, with the goal of fundraising for the Foodbank. I’m thrilled that so many of my colleagues will be joining me on race day, including Eloisa Chavez, Gina Fischer, Serena Fuller and Jane Lindsey. Our mission has evolved. We want to end hunger, but also transform the health of the community through good nutrition and now exercise,” added Mr. Talkin.

“We are grateful to both Montecito Bank & Trust and the Santa Barbara Triathlon for the opportunity to participate and connect with the community. It is a winning combination – good food and exercise are keys to health – and the Foodbank is at the center of both. With our nationally recognized Feed The Future programs for children that stress both learning how to cook healthy food and how to be active, this is the perfect event to boost summer funding during our 30th anniversary year,” shared Jane Lindsey, Director of Development.

Those who attend this popular event will be able to stop by the Foodbank’s interactive information booth and find out more about how the Foodbank serves one in four people in the county, through their own programs and through one of its 290 member agencies. If they’re not too tired from the triathlon, they can hop on the Foodbank’s Bike Blender and use pedal power to make a healthy smoothie.

Volunteer at the Event

Volunteering at the event is a great way to enjoy all the action, up-close and personal. Shifts are available Friday, August 24th from 10:30am to 6:30pm and from 5:30am to 3:00pm on Saturday and Sunday. Click here for more information about volunteering or call (805)682-1634.

Compete in the Event

This event sells out every year. If you’re thinking about competing and raising funds for the Foodbank, don’t hesitate, sign up now by clicking here. Or call (805) 682-1634 to find out if there are still entries available for the 2012 Santa Barbara Triathlon Sprint and Long Courses.

About the Presenting Sponsor

Montecito Bank & Trust is a locally owned community bank founded in 1975. 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. For a list of branch locations and hours or for more information about Montecito Bank & Trust click here.

About the Food Bank Of Santa Barbara County

The Foodbank is a non-profit organization that works to eliminate hunger by distributing food, education, and other resources through its own programs and to a network of 290 member non-profit agencies and programs in our county. In 2011, the Foodbank distributed 11 million pounds of food, of which fully half was fresh produce. This served over 102,000 unduplicated people from Carpinteria to Santa Maria, an amazing 1 in 4 people in our county. Click here to donate and find out more.