The role of the Santa Cruz County Fair Heritage Foundation
Ever wonder where the money comes from for improvements to our Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds?
The Fairgrounds receive no funds from local, county or even state taxes. Monies for improvements come from renting the facilities and any profit from the annual County Fair held each September. As the cost of business has continued to rise, combined with the downturn in the economy, funds to maintain and improve the Fairgrounds have dwindled. That is where the Santa Cruz County Heritage Foundation comes in -- we raise funds with the help of volunteers and implement capital improvement projects on the grounds.
Mission
Our primary purpose is to advance education, science, sports, recreation and other charitable activities which benefit the community. The Foundation will preserve and enrich agricultural and support programs and activities traditionally conducted at the fairgrounds for the public benefit, as well as those other permissible activities, which further the Foundation’s charitable purposes. The Foundation will maintain a standard of excellence in the facilities by implementing capital improvements and support public monuments related to the Foundation’s charitable purposes.It is our goal to establish a reserve fund of $500,000 and raise $100,000 annually through fundraising, grants, personal donations, and assist with capital campaigns that will bring value and attraction to the Fair and the Fairgrounds.
History
In 2004, a group of people associated with the Fairgrounds came together to form the Santa Cruz County Fair Heritage Foundation. This group had the foresight to create a Non-Profit 501(c) 3 organization which allows donations for improvements to be tax-deductible. The Foundation included in its charter the goal of creating and putting on events and using the profits to make fairgrounds improvements. We hold several annual wonderful events such as the Heritage Holiday Craft Fair and the Crab Feed. We also also put on Volunteer Appreciation Dinner each year for all those that help out on the annual County Fair.To raise funds for improvement projects we handle the alcohol concessions at the annual County Fair, the Renaissance Fair, and other events.
Projects
Several projects have already been funded and completed, such as new pavement in the livestock area, advertising for the Fairgrounds on the Chamber of Commerce area map, program support, and new cooking equipment. With several new projects in the planning or implementation phase, we can use your help! Why not be a part of the Foundation and become a member? You’ll feel proud that you are helping to keep your Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds the most beautiful fairgrounds in the State of California! You can also volunteer - you are sure to make many new friends and find helping out at the Fairgrounds very rewarding.Governing Committee of the Foundation
The Governing Committee consists of individuals with varied business backgrounds who have been involved with the Santa Cruz County Fair. Former Exhibit Superintendents, Department Chairpersons, Maintenance Personnel, Fair Managers/ CEO’s, and Fairgrounds Directors make up the current Committee that guides the Foundation's activities and how funds are used. They share the same goal for the Foundation -- to make sure that our fairgrounds remain a beautiful facility for generations to come.
Our Committee members are Chuck Allen, Don Allen, Ron Haedicke, Sue King, Gina Locatelli, Kati Mahan, Dave Martone, Ken McCrary, Carlos Rivera, Kennette Roberts, and Richard Travis.
Governing Committee of the Foundation Meetings
Governing Committee meetings are held at 3:00pm on the first Wednesday of every month in the boardroom.