Gail Arnold

Writer at Santa Barbara Independent

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Articles

Airport Day Inspires Youth with Career Options

1 week ago | independent.com | Gail Arnold

At the Imagine Airport Day on June 7, an Atlantic Aviation hangar was turned into an inspiring general aviation career event. It featured aviation professionals and an impressive array of aircraft. Pilots flew in to speak one-on-one with youth alongside their planes and gave presentations during a program, which also featured remarks by Mayor Randy Rowse and Santa Barbara Airport Director Chris Hastert.
SBCC Hosts James Bond-style Gala

3 weeks ago | independent.com | Gail Arnold

On May 17, the SBCC Foundation hosted a fun James Bond–themed gala, which raised nearly $400,000 for its noble mission of supporting SBCC students, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college. Although community colleges educate a large percentage of the population and serve students with the lowest income, they receive only a tiny portion of higher-education philanthropy.
CARE4Paws Raises Funds to Help Pets in Need

1 month ago | independent.com | Gail Arnold

CARE4Paws Raises Funds to Help Pets in Need Mobile Clinics Expand to Serve More Pets By Gail Arnold Mon May 12, 2025 | 2:37pm Add to Favorites Director of Clinic Operations Patrick Antone, Co-Founder and Executive Director Isabelle Gullö, and Board Chair Christopher Harris | Credit: Gail Arnold On May 4, about 200 supporters of CARE4Paws gathered at the Cabrillo Pavilion for the annual Happy Tails event, celebrating this treasured nonprofit and raising $210,000 for the veterinary services,...
CAUSE Action Fund Event Supports Its Vital Electoral Work

1 month ago | independent.com | Gail Arnold

On April 26 at the Cabrillo Pavillon, CAUSE Action Fund (CAF) held its annual Leadership Awards Reception, a fundraiser for its work building grassroots electoral power to represent working-class families and immigrants. The event honored 805 UndocuFund Executive Director Primitiva Hernandez and CAF’s grassroots leaders Dora Pérez and Guad Gonzalez.
UCSB Arts & Lectures Donors Dine with Alvin Ailey’s Matthew Rushing

2 months ago | independent.com | Gail Arnold

UCSB Arts & Lectures Donors Dine with Alvin Ailey’s Matthew Rushing Arts Adventure program Brings 1,500 Kids to Event at the Granada By Gail Arnold Mon Apr 21, 2025 | 5:19pm Add to Favorites Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre Interim Artistic Director Matthew Rushing with A&L Miller McCune Executive Director Celesta Billeci | Credit: Grace Kathryn Photography On April 15, about 75 major donors of UCSB Arts & Lectures (A&L) enjoyed dinner with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Interim...
Planned Parenthood Hosts Birds & Bees Bash

2 months ago | independent.com | Gail Arnold

Planned Parenthood Hosts Birds & Bees Bash Event Raises Funds after Loss of $400,000 in Federal Funds By Gail Arnold Fri Apr 11, 2025 | 1:59pm Add to Favorites Chief Medical Officer Dr. Erin Berry, President and CEO Jenna Tosh, and Board Chair Kristen Klingbeil-Weis | Credit: Gail Arnold On April 5, more than 400 supporters of Planned Parenthood California Central Coast (PPCCC) gathered at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort for its annual event, netting about $500,000 for the...
Channelkeeper Hosts Blue Water Ball

2 months ago | independent.com | Gail Arnold

Channelkeeper Hosts Blue Water Ball Nonprofit's Advocacy and Educational Programs Are Now More Important Than Ever By Gail Arnold Tue Apr 01, 2025 | 3:06pm Add to Favorites Development Director Annie Lovell, Science & Program Manager Molly Troup, Education & Community Outreach Director Penny Owens, Executive Director Ted Morton, Program Assistant Veronica Moran, Communications Director Laura Sanchez, and Policy Associate Nate Irwin | Credit: Gail Arnold On March 29, more than 200 supporters...
LEAP Raises Funds for Its Stellar Early Childhood and Family Assistance Programs

Mar 20, 2025 | independent.com | Gail Arnold

LEAP Raises Funds for Its Stellar Early Childhood and Family Assistance Programs Ernesto Paredes, Lynn Fitzgibbons, and Amir Abo-Shaeer Honored By Gail Arnold Thu Mar 20, 2025 | 2:51pm Add to Favorites Executive Director Lori Goodman with honorees Amir Abo-Shaeer, Dr. Lynn Fitzgibbons, and Ernesto Paredes | Credit: Isaac Hernandez On March 13, LEAP (formerly Isla Vista Youth Projects) virtually held its annual awards event, which raised funds for its child care and family support programs in...
SB Maritime Museum Celebrates 25 Years

Mar 13, 2025 | independent.com | Gail Arnold

On March 7, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) celebrated its 25th anniversary at its Love Boat–themed gala. The 140 guests enjoyed cocktails on the museum’s patio and dinner inside. Emceed by Andrew Firestone, the event honored Hiroko Benko and Sigrid Toye. As owner of the whale-watching boat Condor Express, Benko is a longtime supporter and collaborator of SBMM’s youth education programs and is co-chair of the Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area.
Society Matters | Year in Pictures

Dec 26, 2024 | independent.com | Gail Arnold

Santa Barbara-based nonprofits hosted hundreds of events this year to raise crucial funding for their work. I covered a few dozen of them, writing stories that typically went beyond the event to convey the nature, scope, and importance of the organizations’ work. Here are some of my favorite photos from the events, which not only raise critical funds, but are also some of the best parties in town.