In 1997, the Red Feather Ball was created by Katherine Abercrombie after hearing the story of the Red Feather and how it came to symbolize giving during the Depression-era Community Chest campaigns. The Red Feather was used on posters and fundraising materials as a symbol of giving for decades. As you may or may not know, United Way of Santa Barbara County was established as the Santa Barbara Community Chest before becoming United Way in 1971.
Katherine and her husband, Stewart, co-chaired the event for the first three years. It was Katherine with her flair for style, who suggested that the women wear red and the men wear red bow ties; and a time-honored tradition was created. In 2000, they received the award which had been renamed in their honor the Abercrombie Community Excellence Award. In 2007, the Board of Directors for United Way of Santa Barbara County voted Katherine Abercrombie, Honorary Chair in Perpetuity.
We are looking forward to gathering friends and supporters at the gala this year in honor of our community’s longstanding tradition of care and commitment to local families. As the work of United Way continues to grow, proceeds from the Red Feather Ball are more important than ever in sustaining United Way’s community programs and initiatives, which have grown to serve thousands of local families each year. From the Fun in the Sun summer learning program and the United Learning Centers, to the Resiliency Grants program and the Brighter Futures Childcare Initiative, the work of United Way continues to adapt, grow, and evolve, to better serve our community.
Learn more about the event, purchase sponsorships and tickets, and donate at www.unitedwaysb.org/RFB
Click the images to see photos from past Red Fed Feather Balls
