Staff Report
The puppet mastery of Las Vegas headliner Terry Fator helped fill the Chumash Casino Resort’s Samala Showroom as the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians raised $25,000 at its annual Toys for Tots benefit concert.
The funds go toward the Central Coast Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots campaign, which serves families in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties through partnerships with local agencies, such as Unity Shoppe, People Helping People, the Salvation Army, Community Action Commission, Tribal TANF Program and the Boys & Girls Club.
“This was our 15th Toys for Tots benefit concert, and we’re proud of the funds these shows have raised for children in need,” said Tribal Chairman Kenneth Kahn. “This campaign not only supports our community partners, which do such great work throughout the county, but it also makes the holiday season a little brighter for a child who wants a toy for Christmas.”
“We have been partnering with the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians since December 2004, and for the past 15 years, the tribe has been a crucial component of the Marine Corps’ annual Toys for Tots campaign,” said 1st Sgt. Soledad Kennedy, the Marine Corps League 1340 Toys for Tots Coordinator. “If not for the generosity and support of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, many children would have to do without.”
To find out more about the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation and its giving programs, visit www.santaynezchumash.org.
