YLS Celebrates 2 Years of Success 

Two years ago, United Way of Santa Barbara County launched Young Leaders Society to provide community involvement, personal development, and network opportunities for young professionals under the age of 40. The founding members had a vision to grow beyond the typical young social group model to truly make a difference in the local community.  This is why Young Leaders Society (YLS) adopted United Way's priorities to help children, families & seniors with a focus on education, income and health.

YLS members not only become involved with various United Way and community partnerships like Fun in the Sun and Day of Caring, they also plan and execute their own programs like "United We Read" to help boost literacy skills and the enjoyment of reading in elementary school children and "United we Bowl" to fund such programs.

Through United Ways network, members also gain the opportunity to meet like-minded civic and business leaders and become acquainted with Santa Barbara's prominent philanthropists during workshops and social events. During their second year, YLS held six professional development events that focused on topics such as leadership, finance and Investing, the green economy and networking. Although our primary focus is professional development, time is designate for social interaction at every event.  

After the two-year anniversary party held at Fess Parker Doubletree Resort on June 15th, 2011 the YLS Executive Committee has begun planning year three and the future of the Society.  The growing membership, which has doubled since its inception, can expect more exciting volunteer opportunities and professional development events that will continue to build the young leaders in our community.   

To learn more please visit our website at

www.unitedwelead.org.  

 Lunch Bunch Sign-Ups Have Begun

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  Steve Cushman and Janet Garufis Lead the 2011-2012 Community Campaign

We are happy to announce that Steve Cushman, Executive Director for the Santa Barbara Region Chamber of Commerce and Janet Garufis, President and Chief Executive Officer of Montecito Bank & Trust have joined together once again to lead United Way of Santa Barbara County's Community Campaign.  Last year, this dynamic duo recruited 40 members dubbed "The Fabulous 40" to assist in the growth of the Community Campaign.  With over 300 calls made, this group confirmed 17 new workplace campaigns, 12 Executive Club Members, 6 corporate gifts, and hundreds of volunteers for Fun in the Sun and Day of Caring.

 Mr. Cushman will assume the role of Chair for the 2011-2012 Community Campaign and Ms. Garufis will serve as the Deputy Chair. Their main role is to provide leadership, direction, and support to the Campaign Cabinet to ensure a successful campaign.

Steve Cushman has served as President of the Santa Barbara Region Chamber of Commerce for the last 20 years. The Chamber is the oldest and largest business organization in the Tri-Counties.   

Steve has worked in private enterprise, government, universities, museums, and the non-profit sector. He has raised more than $60 million for non-profit organizations in San Diego, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara. He has also developed and operated commercial enterprises, including a health club, bookstore, and the Santa Barbara City Store.  Steve graduated from UCSB in 1968. He is married to Sheila Cushman, director of the Children's Museum of Santa Barbara.  

Janet Garufis joined Montecito Bank & Trust in 2004 and became the bank's president and chief executive officer in September, 2006. Garufis began her banking career over 30 years ago with Security Pacific Bank, now Bank of America, with experience in retail banking, business banking, commercial banking and private banking. She is a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington.  

Ms. Garufis has been recognized with many awards and honors for her work in the non-profit community and has been recently honored by the Santa Barbara Chamber of Commerce as Businesswoman of the Year 2010.

Reading Plus Success Story

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 Over 2.7 Million in Tax Returns for Our Community