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.

The deadline is almost here.Make sure you file your taxes and claim the credits you’ve earned. Free, trusted support is still available to help you through the process.At Community Bridges, we’re committed to making sure everyone has access to the resources they deserve—on time and with dignity.Find help today: communitybridges.org/frc ... See MoreSee Less
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Happy 80th Birthday to our Board Chair, Jack Jacobson! 🎉Serving on our Board of Directors since 1982, Jack has been a steadfast and devoted leader, guiding our organization with wisdom, integrity, and heart. An accomplished local attorney, he has championed the rights and well-being of our community’s most vulnerable residents for more than 50 years.From helping secure our nonprofit status to supporting the growth of our ten programs, Jack’s legacy is woven into the fabric of all the work we do. His lifelong passion, leadership, and commitment to justice, equity, and community continue to inspire us, along with his great humor and heart.Please join us in celebrating Jack, an extraordinary advocate, leader, and friend. Whether by adding his legal expertise to our biggest projects, serving as the namesake of our annual volunteer award, or driving his '48 Chevy in the 4th of July parade, Jack is always there for us giving all he has. Happy Birthday, Jack! ... See MoreSee Less
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Join us for a FREE parenting workshop designed for families with young children (up to 5 years old). Learn simple, effective ways to help your child feel safe, confident, and secure.📅 Thursday, April 9, 2026🕕 6:00 – 7:30 PM📍 Nueva Vista Community Resources, Santa CruzIn this workshop, you’ll learn:✔️ Why separation can be difficult for young children✔️ How to support your child during transitions✔️ Tips to stay calm and confident during goodbyes✅ Free child care & light snacks providedReserve your spot: bit.ly/Separation-Apr9 ... See MoreSee Less
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5 days ago

Community Bridges / Puentes De La Comunidad
This Volunteer Month, we’re celebrating the compassion, connection, and care our volunteers bring across our programs. 💚This week, we’re proud to spotlight the Pantry Posse at Mountain Community Resources that creates meaningful moments of care and connection every day.Recently, a food pantry participant who had just lost their partner returned to one of our Family Resource Centers. Our volunteers had come together to send a condolence card, and he shared how deeply moved he was, saying he had no idea the volunteers cared so much.Moments like this show that the impact of volunteering goes far beyond food.“As we know, many people feel invisible in society,” shared one Pantry Manager. “In addition to food, we offer connection and the recognition that each person deserves support, no matter their circumstances.”Every story is different, but they all share the same heart: showing up, caring deeply, and building community.Follow along this month as we highlight volunteers across our programs, and learn more about Mountain Community Resources at communitybridges.org/mcr or sign up to volunteer at communitybridges.org/volunteerThank you to all of our incredible volunteers. 💚 ... See MoreSee Less
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The Eviction Defense Collaborative protects tenants in distress. Through our partnership with Community Bridges / Puentes De La Comunidad, the Conflict Resolution Center of Santa Cruz County, and Tenant Sanctuary, we are giving the community peace of mind. Read more on how Senior Legal Services is aiding the community through our latest Impact Report: www.seniorlegal.org/news-and-events/impact-report#seniorlegal #seniorlegalservices #seniorsrights #scgives #santacruzgives #volunteering #SeniorSupport ... 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.