Team Gary Raised $11,200 for Cancer Foundation
The local running group leveraged a community event to honor a long-time radio personality.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Team Gary raised $11,200 for the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara following their participation in the Santa Barbara Triathlon on August 29, 2026. The effort honored the memory of local radio broadcaster Gary Fruin, who passed away in January 2025.
Why it matters
The fundraiser demonstrates how small, purpose-driven groups can effectively channel local interest to support community health institutions. Aligning a team effort with a recognizable name and a consistent, industry-linked donation structure helped the organization secure both individual and corporate backing.
The initiative raised a total of $11,200, which includes a $2,500 grant from Montecito Bank & Trust and individual contributions of $101.70 from each of the 25 team members. The figures supported a cause related to the 34-year career of the late Gary Fruin.
The players
Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara
A regional non-profit organization focused on providing cancer care services and support for local residents.
Montecito Bank & Trust
A local financial institution that provides commercial banking services and community grants in the Santa Barbara area.
Gary Fruin
A long-time local radio personality who maintained a 34-year broadcasting career at K-LITE 101.7.
The details
The team organized around the Santa Barbara Triathlon, using East Beach for their Sunday training sessions to prepare for the August competition. Beyond the athletic participation, the group utilized the branding of the local station where Fruin worked for 34 years to set the individual donation amount of $101.70. A formal check presentation is scheduled to finalize the effort at a later date.
Timeline
January 2025: Gary Fruin died at age 68.
August 29, 2026: Team Gary participated in the Santa Barbara Triathlon.
October 29, 2026: Check presentation ceremony at Paradise Springs Winery.
Market Landscape
The Santa Barbara Triathlon serves as a recurring community engagement platform for local business-led fundraising teams. This effort follows the established pattern of local organizations utilizing regional athletic events to structure and drive philanthropic initiatives.
Operators can evaluate the efficacy of linking corporate social responsibility efforts to local athletic events to increase visibility and employee engagement. Securing matching grants from local financial partners like Montecito Bank & Trust can provide a significant multiplier to individual contributions.
The takeaway
This case highlights how personal connections can serve as a catalyst for professional community involvement and fundraising success. Business owners should track the calendar for major annual city events to plan their corporate giving strategies and partnership opportunities.
What happens next
A check presentation ceremony for the funds raised is scheduled to occur at Paradise Springs Winery on October 29, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local Philanthropy efforts in the Santa Barbara area.
More information
For additional information on the organization's initiatives, visit the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Santa Barbara Independent.
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