Six million dollars from two donors! That’s major giving, and it’s happened here to the benefit us all.
Two gifts to the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County from Montecito residents … the first for $1 million and the second for $5 million have energized the campaign to save Hot Springs Canyon from development. The area is zoned for 6 house lots and a day spa. Its rich history, dating from early Chumash and, later, Spanish, settlements to one of our most hiked and beloved natural areas today is under assault.
The two donors, certainly not looking for glory or a community pat on the back, asked to remain anonymous. They parted with $6 million because of the realization that to allow development of the canyon would forever change Montecito for the worse. So, they stepped up to cover more than two thirds of the campaign’s goal.
The Land Trust has raised another million from a few donors, but still needs almost $2 million to complete the purchase of 462 acres and donate it to the National Forest Service, thus preserving the area forever. With time running short and giving dynamics as they are, it will take a few more large gifts to get the job done.
In interviews with the two donors, the Messenger asked if they would allow their names to be used. The answer was a polite “no”. They wanted no publicity, no recognition. Their sole motivation was to give most of the needed funds themselves to make sure the campaign would succeed.
But, they are looking for one thing and that, simply stated, is some company.
Where, they ask, are other residents of comparable giving ability? Are there not some others who will step forward with large gifts to make sure that classic Montecito mountainside, trails, and creeks are preserved forever?
It’s hard not to empathize with folks who have put $6 million on the line and who fear that it may be for naught.
During our interview with the donors, the Messenger asked what we could do to help? The response: “Please continue to get the word out. People here are very busy. They have many philanthropic commitments, and most of them still do not know that the canyon is threatened.” They believe that another large donor or two will step forward once the need is known. A community wide mailing is getting the word into every Montecito home.
Please contact Michael Feeney at the Land Trust if you can help finish off the campaign with a major gift. Telephone 805- 966-4520.
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