Events

Gather. Give. Grow Stronger Together.

For nearly 50 years, Community Bridges has been a cornerstone of care on the Central Coast. Every year, our ten programs empower more than 20,000 children, families, and older adults with essential services—nutritious meals, reliable transportation, quality healthcare, family support, and crisis recovery.

Our mission is simple yet powerful: to ensure every neighbor has the dignity, stability, and opportunity they deserve.

One of the best ways to support this mission is by joining us at our annual fundraising events.

Why Our Events Matter

Each event is more than a celebration. It’s a chance to reconnect with our community and to show the impact of the work we do together. Sponsors, attendees, donors, and volunteers all play a part in raising the funds that keep essential services alive. By joining us, you’re helping to open doors, strengthen connections, and ensure our neighbors see—and feel—the care and commitment that goes into building a stronger community for all.

  • Sponsoring connects your brand with a trusted community-based organization while demonstrating your commitment to social responsibility to thousands via event marketing and sponsored social media posts, as well as the hundreds who join us.

  • Attending means you enjoy unforgettable experiences with local food, wine, and community while supporting vital services.

  • Volunteering creates welcoming, joyful events that bring neighbors together for a cause.

  • Donating ensures every dollar goes toward programs that directly impact the lives of our most vulnerable neighbors.

people viewing charity auction items
people dining at an event

Our Signature Events

Farm to Fork Gala – Summer

Join us for an elegant evening that celebrates the Pajaro Valley’s agricultural abundance and vibrant community spirit. Now in its 11th year, the Farm to Fork Gala is our largest fundraising event, bringing together local farmers, vintners, chefs, and supporters for a farm-to-table experience unlike any other. Proceeds benefit all ten Community Bridges programs, ensuring the more than 20,000 local residents that depend on our essential services and resources have access to food, transportation, healthcare, family support, and crisis recovery. 

Food from the Heart Luncheon – Winter

This heartfelt Valentine’s celebration, hosted by Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County, brings together local leaders, businesses, and community champions to fight senior hunger and isolation. Each year, Meals on Wheels serves 200,000 meals to roughly 2,000 older adults, helping them remain healthy, independent, and connected. The need has never been greater: nearly 1 in 4 seniors in Santa Cruz County lives alone, and many face limited mobility, fixed incomes, or chronic health conditions. For many participants, Meals on Wheels provides not only their primary source of nutrition but also critical human connection through friendly visits from volunteers.

The Mountain Affair – Fall

The Mountain Affair is a festive San Lorenzo Valley tradition that brings neighbors together to celebrate resilience and raise funds for Mountain Community Resources (MCR). Guests enjoy fine foods, local wines, and handcrafted auction items while supporting a vital hub that provides more than 12,000 annual points of contact through crisis support, disaster recovery, and family services. As the primary annual fundraiser for MCR, proceeds sustain weekly food distribution, parent education, housing navigation, health care enrollment, mental health counseling, and emergency preparedness.

Make Your Impact: Become An Event Sponsor

Our 2026 Sponsorship Opportunities can help your organization make a meaningful difference. Inside, you’ll find opportunities to sponsor our signature fundraising events, partner at a leadership level, or contribute through in-kind support. Each option offers unique ways to highlight your brand, connect with the community, and directly fund the essential services that reach more than 20,000 children, families, and older adults every year.

Explore Sponsorship Opportunities

Whether you choose to host a branded reception, sponsor a table, contribute an auction item, or step forward as a Community Leader partner, your investment fuels programs that provide meals, transportation, healthcare, disaster relief, and family support across the Central Coast. 

From delivering meals to seniors to providing early education, health care, transportation, and family support, Community Bridges offers a lifeline across all stages of life. We invite you to explore the sponsorship levels in our packet and connect with us to discuss the option that best fits your goals. Our team is ready to answer your questions and help you design a sponsorship package that maximizes your visibility while making the greatest impact for our community.

Contact us today at donations@cbridges.org or 831-227-6900 to learn more about how you can make an impact.

Enseñando a los Niños a Compartir y Cooperar📅 martes, 17 de marzo, 2026 | 6:00–7:30 PM📍 La Manzana Community ResourcesCriar niños que compartan y cooperen comienza con herramientas prácticas.Acompáñenos a este taller GRATUITO de Triple P, presentado en español, para aprender:✔️ Cómo enseñar a su hijo/a a compartir✔️ Formas sencillas de fomentar la cooperación✔️ Qué hacer cuando su hijo/a no quiere compartirSe ofrece cuidado de niños gratuito y bocadillos ligeros.🔗 Inscríbase: bit.ly/Compartir-17mar📞 Sandra Rodelo: (831) 724-2997Fortaleciendo familias con respeto y apoyo. 💛#triplep #crianzapositiva #CommunityBridges #watsonville ... See MoreSee Less
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🌟 Join us in welcoming the newest members of the Community Bridges family: Nathan, Veronica, and Israel! 🎉We’re excited to have them on board and look forward to the fresh energy, ideas, and positivity they’ll bring to our programs and the communities we serve. Their passion and dedication will help us continue strengthening and supporting our community.Interested in making a difference too? We’re always looking for compassionate and motivated people to join our team. Explore current opportunities and apply at: communitybridges.org/careers 💼 ... See MoreSee Less
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Last week, we welcomed Kathy Mahan from Congressman Schiff’s office and Christine Winge, Chair of @mealsonwheelsca (MOWCA) and CEO of Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula (MOWP), to our HQ with Ray Cancino (CEO) and Dana Wagner (Director of Meals on Wheels).We discussed the $2.235 billion federal funding request and the growing need for senior nutrition and aging services in California, where 2 out of 3 Meals on Wheels programs have a senior waiting for a meal — double the national average. We need to change that.Learn more about Meals on Wheels of California at www.mowca.org or our Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County program at communitybridges.org/mow ... See MoreSee Less
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We’re hiring! At Community Bridges, every role is an opportunity to make a difference. Join our mission to support older adults, families, and our community through health, education, and social services that promote equity, dignity, and well-being.We offer a robust benefits package including: • Shared-cost medical, dental, vision, and life insurance • 401(k) retirement plan with up to 5% agency match • Paid vacation and sick leave • 11 paid holidays and wellness floatersApply online at communitybridges.org/careersCome be part of a team dedicated to building stronger, healthier communities every day!#Hiring #MissionDriven #JoinOurTeam #CommunityImpact #Benefits ... See MoreSee Less
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Food insecurity affects families and seniors right here in our community, often in ways that aren’t immediately visible. In Santa Cruz County, about 12.4% of residents are food insecure and roughly 13.8% of children experience food insecurity, meaning many households struggle to afford enough healthy food. (datasharescc.org)Learning about this local need is one step toward building a more supportive community.👉Read more about why nutrition matters and National Nutrition Month: eatright.org/about-national-nutrition-month#CommunityCare #HealthEquity #StrongerTogether #MeetTheMoment #CommunityBridges ... See MoreSee Less
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50th Anniversary Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County - Community Bridges / Puentes de la Communidad logo

Celebrating 50 Years of Support

Join us at Food From the Heart to honor this legacy and support the future of senior care.

50th Anniversary Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County - Community Bridges / Puentes de la Communidad logo

Celebrating 50 Years of Support

Join us at Food From the Heart to honor this legacy and support the future of senior care.

Every Family Needs a Plan

Urge the Attorney General to adopt California’s Childcare Safety Plan.

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giving tuesday

Strengthen
Our Roots

Since 1977, your generosity has helped our community grow stronger.