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.

This Independence Day, we celebrate the strength of community, democracy, and our shared responsibility to care for one another. 🇺🇸At Community Bridges, we believe thriving communities are built when everyone has access to nutritious food, quality early education, transportation, family support, and opportunities to succeed.As we celebrate our nation's ideals, let's also recommit to building a future where every neighbor feels seen, supported, and connected.From all of us at Community Bridges, we wish you a safe, joyful, and meaningful Independence Da#CommunityBridgesi#PuentesDeLaComunidada#IndependenceDaye#fourthofjulyu#community##democracy##SharedResponsibilityo#santacruzcountyC#montereycountye#TogetherWeThriveerWeThrive ... See MoreSee Less
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The Bridge Builders Circle is more than monthly giving.It’s a community of neighbors who care deeply about the Central Coast and are taking action to strengthen it together.As a Bridge Builder, you’ll receive invitations to relaxed gatherings throughout the year—spaces where supporters connect, hear from program leaders, and see how Community Bridges programs are supporting families across Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito counties.These gatherings are intentionally welcoming and community-centered, creating opportunities to meet fellow Bridge Builders and celebrate what consistent generosity makes possible.Because when generosity brings people together, it builds something powerful.Learn more and join the Bridge Builders Circle:communitybridges.org/monthly/ ... See MoreSee Less
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We will be closed on Friday, July 3rd, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. We will resume regular operations on Monday, July 6.As you celebrate, please help keep our community safe: ✨ Follow local fireworks laws.🧒 Keep children and pets away from fireworks.💧 Have a bucket of water or hose nearby.❤️ Celebrate responsibly and look out for one another.From all of us at Community Bridges, we wish you and your loved ones a safe, happy, and meaningful Fourth of July!#CommunityBridges #PuentesDeLaComunidad #fourthofjuly #IndependenceDay ... See MoreSee Less
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For 17 years, Lisa Hindman Holbert has helped ensure that young children across Santa Cruz County have access to safe, nurturing, and high-quality early education. 💚📚As Director of Community Bridges’ Early Education Division, Lisa has led with compassion, integrity, and a deep commitment to children, families, educators, and the broader community. Her leadership has strengthened classrooms, supported teachers, expanded opportunities for families, and helped create learning environments where children can grow, explore, and thrive.We are deeply grateful for Lisa’s 17 years of dedicated service to Community Bridges and to the families who depend on affordable, high-quality child care. Her work has made a lasting impact on our programs, our staff, and the children whose futures are brighter because of her care, vision, and commitment.Lisa will be leaving Community Bridges in July to join the Cabrillo College education team, where she will continue supporting education and opportunity in our community. Please join us in thanking Lisa for her dedication, leadership, and 17 years of service. 🌟As we look ahead, Community Bridges remains committed to providing affordable, high-quality early education for local children and families. We are seeking our next Early Education Division leader, and this is a meaningful opportunity for someone who is passionate about affordable child care, early learning, and advancing opportunities for families across Santa Cruz County.✨ Are you a leader who wants to make a difference in the lives of children and families? Apply today at: communitybridges.org/careers#CommunityBridges #EarlyEducation #SantaCruzCounty #ChildCare #EarlyLearning ... See MoreSee Less
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Photos from Community Bridges WIC Program's post ... 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.