Glowing Success: Unite to Light The Night - Lights the Night & the World

Dancers enjoy the Bright Bash. Photo by Sarita Relis for Unite to Light

Unite to Light recently hosted our third annual "Unite to Light the Night" art festival and fundraiser at the Community Arts Workshop in Santa Barbara on October 18th and 19th. This vibrant event brought together over 50 artists and performers who used light as either their medium or inspiration, showcasing creativity and innovation in illuminating ways.

The festival consisted of three distinct events: the Glow Gala, a VIP evening for sponsors and supporters; the Community Showcase, which was free and open to the public; and the Bright Bash, a lively dance party with a purpose. Each event offered something unique, from artistic displays to community engagement, all while supporting a greater cause. All three events were set among the art exhibition allowing over 500 attendees to interact with and explore some of the most interesting art our community has to offer.

The festival successfully raised over $145,000 to further Unite to Light’s mission of providing solar light and power to the 750 million people worldwide who live without electricity. These funds will support initiatives such as creating Light Libraries in schools across Zambia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia. In addition, funds will be used for disaster relief efforts, building on previous partnerships during Hurricane Helene, where Unite to Light worked with World Central Kitchen, Direct Relief, and ShelterBox to provide solar lights, and solar power for phone charging and Wi-Fi hotspots for affected communities in North Carolina.

Community partners played a vital role in the event’s success, with organizations like MOXI, STUDIO Bar & Soundroom, Children’s Creative Project, Explore Ecology, 10 West Gallery, Selah Dance, State Street Ballet,  UCSB's Media Arts and Technology Program, and WorldViz contributing their support. The event was designed and produced by Vesper Post Event Productions.

“We are grateful to all of the artists, sponsors, volunteers, community partners, and our Board of Directors, staff and Event Committee members who brought this event to light,” said Megan Birney Rudert, Unite to Light’s President & CEO. "Unite to Light the Night was a shining example of how art, community, and philanthropy can come together to light up lives across the globe.”

For event photos and highlights: unitetolight.org/lightthenight
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