Fast Pitch SB Winners Announced

The winners of this year’s Fast Pitch SB were announced Thursday, with Keith Terry of YStrive taking home the competition’s $15,000 Impact Award. The two-month Fast Pitch SB training program, organized by Social Venture Partners Santa Barbara, connects local nonprofits with potential funders and offers cash prizes for the best three-minute business pitches.

“Last night was an incredible experience and a long journey for me personally,” said Terry. “The $15,000 plus the exposure for YStrive will help support our scholarship funds for high risk youth and their families.” YStrive offers mentoring and job-training services to reduce gang violence and incarceration rates.

Thursday’s ceremony distributed at total of $45,000 in awards and drew an audience of 350. The $10,000 Audience Award went to Tyler Speier with Isla Vista Youth Projects; the $5,000 Coaches Award went to Melissa Fontaine, Foodbank of Santa Barbara; and the $5,000 Sponsor Award was given to Sue Eisaguirre with the Nature Track Foundation.

The other winners included:

· Elizabeth Cordero, Lideres Campesinas

· William Fiedtkou, Santa Barbara Youth Music Academy

· Kristen Hoye, Friendship Center Adult Day Services

· Jefferson Litten, Community Environmental Council

· Eder Gaona-Macedo, Future Leaders of America, Inc. (FLA)

· Sarah Rudd, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Barbara County, a Family Service Agency

“SVPSB honors and commends the experience of everyone who participated, as they are leaving the program with skills and connections to help increase their impact in our community,” said Stephanie Langsdorf, Operations Manager for Social Venture Partners.