The Erin Graffy de Garcia Legacy Endowment has been established to honor the remarkable life and contributions of Erin Therese Graffy de Garcia, Santa Barbara’s beloved Society Lady, historian, writer, dancer, and cultural champion. Erin’s dedication to preserving and celebrating the music, dance, history, and traditions of Santa Barbara, including its treasured Fiesta celebrations, will live on through this fund.

A Legacy Rooted in Santa Barbara’s Culture

Born in Wichita, Kansas, and raised in Santa Barbara, Erin quickly embraced the city’s rich traditions, first discovering Fiesta as a young girl in Mrs. Liam O’Sullivan’s Children’s Strolling Chorus. From that moment, the songs, dances, and pageantry became part of her DNA. Throughout her life, Erin’s devotion to Santa Barbara’s history and culture was unparalleled.

Her expertise and enthusiasm were reflected in her writings, performances, and leadership across countless organizations. She authored over 100 books and articles, including the award-winning Old Spanish Days: Santa Barbara History Through Public Art. As a beloved emcee, auctioneer, speaker, and entertainer, she infused every event with wit, warmth, and her signature flair.

Erin’s living legacy is woven into the very fabric of Santa Barbara, where she touched its cultural soul, history, and traditions. She didn’t just honor the past—she made it pulse with life, ensuring that Santa Barbara’s historical identity is not only remembered but experienced. Her absence is deeply felt as Santa Barbara has lost not only a guardian of its history, but a guiding force who enriched its culture, deepened its wisdom, and strengthened its connections.

Funding Erin’s Vision

With an initial goal to raise $100,000 in the coming months, the aim is to establish a strong financial foundation for investment through Montecito Bank & Trust. This endowment is envisioned to grow each year, with annual dividends honoring Erin’s legacy, and ensuring that Santa Barbara continues to benefit from her lifelong vision and passions, including:

• • • Support for historical preservation and storytelling
    • Scholarships for students pursuing music and dance
    • Funding for performances, classes, and exhibits that reflect Santa Barbara’s rich cultural history

Stewarding Erin’s Vision with Love and Purpose

We are grateful to be working in collaboration with the Profant Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which will serve as the facilitating entity for this endowment. Erin’s fund will be guided and managed by the Graffy family through a dedicated board composed of Erin’s family members. This family-led board will independently oversee fund investment, scholarship selection, and allocations for music and dance students, as well as performances, exhibits, classes, and other cultural initiatives aligned with Erin’s vision.

Contributions

Contributions to the Erin Graffy de Garcia Legacy Endowment can be made via Zelle at eringraffylegacy@gmail.com, or checks can be mailed to the Profant Foundation for the Arts, 3905 State Street, Suite 7-128, Santa Barbara, CA 93105.

*Please note on the memo line “Erin’s Legacy”. Every contribution, no matter the amount, makes a meaningful impact and is deeply appreciated.

Giving Circles

To achieve the $100,000 goal and help establish the endowment quickly, we invite you to consider being a part of one of the following giving circles:

• • • Erin’s “Grand” Gang @ One Grand – $1,000 – A collective effort to reach our initial endowment goal, aiming for 100 contributors at this level
    • The Founders’ Circle @ $5,000 and above – For those inspired to give at a leadership level and play a pivotal role in supporting Erin’s legacy.

Honoring Erin’s Life & Lifelong Passion

Erin was a force of nature, known for her graciousness, humor, and boundless energy. Through this endowment, Erin’s love for Santa Barbara, its traditions, and its artistic vibrancy will continue to inspire, educate, and enrich the community she cherished. We invite you to join us in celebrating her life, carrying forward her legacy, and continuing her contributions to our community.

For more information, or to become part of the Founders’ Circle,
please email Colleen Graffy at eringraffylegacy@gmail.com

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Profant Foundation facilitates the endowment, working with a dedicated board composed of Erin’s family members.