Cause Driven Leadership

Every day, we work side by side with our neighbors to make sure all youth, regardless of income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. The Youth and Family Services (YFS) Board of Managers is committed to nurturing the potential of youth, promoting health and well-being, and fostering a sense of social responsibility. 

If you are interested in learning more about volunteering with Youth and Family Services please contact the Amy Tovias at amy.tovias@ciymca.org.

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Honorees

Thank you Sponsors

Guest Speaker: Barbara Andersen

Barbara Andersen is currently serving as Senior Assistant to the City Administrator for the City of Santa Barbara where she is responsible for initiatives including addressing homelessness, civilian oversight of law enforcement, business engagement, and neighborhood improvement. Most recently, Andersen was the Director of Partnerships for the Santa Barbara Alliance for Community Transformation (SB ACT) where she helped formalize the ACT on Homelessness Collaborative. In this position, she facilitated the engagement of 35 multi-sector agencies through four Working Groups including Housing and Shelter, Housing Retention, Homelessness Prevention, and Lived Experience as well as a 21-member Steering Committee. This also included four neighborhood-based Regional Action Plans to hear directly from residents and business owners. In addition, Andersen created the evaluation framework and accountability process for the Three-Year Strategic Plan to Reduce Homelessness and its Impacts in the City of Santa Barbara.

Honorary Chair: Roy Lee

Roy Lee serves on the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, representing the residents of the First District and working on behalf of everyone throughout our great Country. Roy was born in Taipei, Taiwan and embarked on a remarkable journey that eventually led him to become a valued member of the Carpinteria community. In 1986, his family made the life-changing decision to relocate to the United States, and from there, Roy's story in the States began to unfold. Growing up, Roy spent his formative years just up the road in Goleta. It was here that he laid his foundation in the community and began his journey. He attended Dos Pueblos High School, where he began to nurture his academic interests. Continuing his education, Roy pursued higher studies at Santa Barbara City College and later at the University of California, Santa Barbara. His commitment to learning and personal growth became evident during these years, shaping him into the person he is today.

Roy's career has been characterized by dedication and entrepreneurship. He started working at a young age, gaining valuable experience that would prepare him for his role as a local business leader. He is probably best known from his family's restaurant, Uncle Chen, which has been a cherished part of Carpinteria since its establishment in 1991. Roy and his family have continued to operate the restaurant, contributing to the local community and building strong connections with its loyal customers. In addition to supporting Reaching For Stars, Roy has been a long-time YMCA member and supporter.

Auctioneer: Andrew Firestone

Andrew Firestone is Principal and Founder of StonePark Capital, a Santa Barbara-based hospitality firm that focuses on the acquisition and development of select-service hotels, and applies a disciplined set of strategies that prioritizes investor return. Currently StonePark Capital has projects in Santa Barbara, Sonoma, Santa Rosa, and San Luis Obispo, California. He frequently demonstrates his commitment to the community by serving as auctioneer at multiple non-profit events.  He is an entertaining, exuberant, engaging, and effective auctioneer!

Live Music: Leslie Lembo, Jan Ingram, and Henry Garrett