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.

FREE Food Distributions in Santa Cruz County This August! 💚Community Bridges is proud to support our communities with free food distributions throughout the month. Stop by for fresh produce, pantry staples, groceries, clothing, and other essential items.📍 Nueva Vista Community Resources711 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz🗓️ August 5 & 19⏰ 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM📍 Mountain Community Resources6134 Highway 9, Felton🗓️ August 6, 13, 20 & 27⏰ 10:30 AM – 11:30 AMWhether you’re picking up for yourself, a neighbor, or a family member, all are welcome.✅ No registration required✅ No ID needed✅ No questions askedJust come as you are. 💚🔗 Learn more: communitybridges.org/frc#CommunityBridges #FoodDistribution #SantaCruzCounty #FoodAccess #SantaCruz #FeltonCA #SanLorenzoValley #CommunitySupport #FreshFoodForAll ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Every day, Community Bridges programs help neighbors across the Central Coast access food, transportation, education, and health services.Behind that impact is a community of supporters who believe in caring for one another.Members of the Bridge Builders Circle provide steady monthly support that helps sustain essential services across Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito counties.Your generosity helps strengthen dignity, stability, and opportunity for families throughout our region.Become a Bridge Builder today:communitybridges.org/monthly/ ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
We're proud to share that Community Bridges CEO Ray Cancino will be speaking at the Nonprofit Advocacy: Roles, Rules & Responsibilities workshop, hosted by the Community Foundation Santa Cruz County and Nonprofit Connection Santa Cruz County. Advocacy is an essential part of building stronger, healthier communities. Join nonprofit leaders from across our region to explore how organizations can effectively advocate for the people they serve while understanding the legal and ethical guidelines that shape this important work.📅 Thursday, August 27, 2026🕘 9:00–11:30 a.m.Register and learn more: cfscc.org/events/nonprofit-advocacy-roles-rules-and-responsibilities#CommunityBridges #NonprofitLeadership #Advocacy #CommunityImpact #SantaCruzCounty #Nonprofits ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
🌟 Congratulations to Esteban Gudino, our July Employee of the Month! 🎉We are proud to recognize Esteban Gudino, our dedicated Facilities Technician!Esteban consistently goes above and beyond in his role, demonstrating an outstanding work ethic, integrity, and commitment to excellence. He approaches every task with professionalism and takes pride in keeping our facilities running smoothly. Beyond his hard work, Esteban treats everyone with respect, kindness, and compassion, making a positive impact on both his coworkers and the people we serve.His dedication, reliability, and positive attitude make him an invaluable member of the Community Bridges team.Thank you, Esteban, for everything you do and for being such an important part of the Community Bridges family. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition! #employeeofthemonth #CommunityBridges ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
🌟 Build a rewarding career while making a difference in your community!Community Bridges supports people of all ages and backgrounds throughout Santa Cruz County and North Monterey County, including children, families, pregnant women, older adults, and adults with disabilities.We’re currently hiring for several positions, including:• EED Director• Consulting Pharmacist• HR Administrative Assistant• Director of Communications & External Affairs• Accounting Assistant• Teacher Floater• And more on our website!Benefits for eligible employees include:• 16 vacation days and 11 holidays• medical, dental, and vision coverage• 401(k) retirement plan• A hiring bonus for eligible regular positions, paid after completing a six month probationary period• Life insurance & Employee Assistance program• Flexible spending account (FSA)Join the Community Bridges team and help create a stronger, healthier community.Explore current openings and apply today at communitybridges.org/careers.#CommunityBridges #Hiring #JoinOurTeam #NonprofitCareers #SantaCruzCounty ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
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.

This

giving tuesday

Strengthen
Our Roots

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