2nd Annual ARISE 5K Chase Palm Soccer Field

Since the first 5K in December 2021 (originally for 2020, it was a Pandemic Postponement) was a huge success, the client, Mary Hudson hired Felici Events to Produce it’s second annual 5K Walk and Run.

Mary Hudson, Founder of ARISE International hosted the second annual Arise 5K run/walk on December 3, 2022, The event took place along the beach at the soccer field in Chase Park on Cabrillo Boulevard in Santa Barbara, California.

This event brought together participants from the community with music, food, and festivities following the race. Finishing medals were awarded to participants along with gift bags for the top 3 runners.

ARISE Women’s Conferences support women from domestic violence shelters and drug rehabilitation homes and help them arise from their past to a new life. This year’s 5K Walk and Run is a community friend-raiser and fundraiser for Santa Barbara Rescue Mission’s Bethel House Women’s Residential Treatment Program.

Felici Events produced and managed the logistics of the event, including registration, rentals, volunteers, decor, food, beverage, and entertainment.

Video of Arise 5K Walk / Run

1st Annual ARISE 5K Walk and Run at Leadbetter

The first annual 5K Walk and Run was a community friend-raiser and fund-raiser for Santa Barbara Rescue Mission’s Bethel House Women’s Residential Treatment Program. We accommodated 300 or so runners and walkers to help raise money and awareness for this organization’s mission.

Felici Events has built the website, created the marketing materials, digital media, and promotion, submitted free listings, and organized community efforts of sponsorship and word-of-mouth promotion with our partners and sponsors. Felici Events has also produced and managed the logistics of the event, including registration, rentals, volunteers, decor, food, beverage, and entertainment.

Felici Events Featured in CASA Magazine

Article from CASA Magazine

Felici Events Makes News for Planning Santa Barbara's Largest Philanthropic Event

Special thanks to CASA magazine for their article, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” published in August 2009. The article, written by Jacqueline Dyson, provides a detailed description of the event and includes information about Michael Towbes. This birthday celebration also served as a benefit for the Granada Restoration Capital Campaign and raised approximately $1.2M.

As the evening drew to a close, the party was just getting started! Dancing under the stars to Lois Mahalia & The Georgetown Band, exuberant guests rocked the house. Michael enjoyed dancing to his favorite song ‘YMCA’ with wife Anne, granddaughter Allison, and the family. Michael and Anne savored a special moment with the favorite, At Last, and shut is down with a rousing last dance Don’t Stop ‘Till You Get Enough. When all was said and diner, the party’s theme summed it up well: “It’s a Wonderful Life!” – CASA Magazine

Casa Magazine celebrates life in Santa Barbara. This award-winning weekly magazine focuses on cultural institutions and non-profits that support basic human rights and stewardship of the earth. Jacqueline Dyson has written other articles on local fundraising events, including:

• La Fiesta del Museo
• A Night at the Opera Santa Barbara

Felici Events is a first-class event design and production company based in Santa Barbara, California that produces events like this 80th birthday celebration. Contact us if you are planning an upcoming birthday celebration and looking for a company that listens to and expertly translates its clients’ visions into reality.

Event Planner’s "Good Fortune" makes local news


We have the best clients ever! Thank you cards never go out of style.

Thank you to society writer Lorraine D. Wilson for the article, “Good Fortune” rich in history. Lorraine’s article was published in her Sunday On the Town section in the Santa Barbara News Press, which covers the non-profit sector and who’s who of Santa Barbara.

Thank you to Kerry Methner for the article, Good Fortune Fundraiser Celebrates Santa Barbara's Asian American Heritage. Kerry's article was published on page 34 in the June 27th issue of CASA Magazine.

The “Good Fortune” fundraiser, by the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation, recognized the important role Chinese and Japanese communities played in Santa Barbara’s history.

During the late-nineteenth and twentieth-centuries the area in and around the Santa Barbara Presidio was a unique and culturally rich neighborhood. Chinese and Japanese communities coexisted side by side, offering thriving businesses within buildings that are now historic landmarks. The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation honors and preserves this history in El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park. In 2009 “Sharing Our Common Ground” explored Santa Barbara’s Asian Americans history. - Santa Barbara Independent

To see photos by Clint Weisman and Dr. Paul Mori, click the link and view the album, “Good Fortune” from the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation’s Flickr account.

Felici Events is a first-class event design and production company based in Santa Barbara, California that produces events like the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation’s “Good Fortune” gala. Contact us if you are planning an upcoming fundraising event and looking for a company that listens to and expertly translates its client’s visions into reality.

The Diana Basehart Foundation - for the love of animals

A Real Felici Events Fundraising Afternoon

If you know one thing about Zohe, it is her passion and advocacy for animals.

Felici Events was honored to be part of a committed and wonderful group of ladies, as we produced their second annual fundraising event.  Here is a sneak peek at this gorgeous afternoon full of animal lovers, video by by Brian Peddicord.

 Event Co-Chairs David Krieger and Tipper Gore, pictured with Diana Basehart,

little Nell and Salud Carbajal (Photo by Valori Fussell)

The Diana Basehart Foundation helps elders and those on limited incomes care for and keep their beloved companion animals by providing support for veterinary behavioral and nutritional needs; while also minimizing the number of animals being turned over to shelters.  CLICK ON THIS LINK to view more pictures of the event, as well as finding out more about the organization and how you can help.