On August 6, the John E. Profant Foundation for the Arts hosted its 18th annual Fiesta Finale, an extraordinarily entertaining event that recreated a costumed gala of the past while raising funds for arts scholarships for Santa Barbara County residents. A sold-out crowd of 160 guests, many clad in Fiesta attire, mingled and danced at El Paseo Restaurant during the lively reception while the Martinez Brothers provided the tunes. There was a reception line comprising scholarship recipients so donors could meet these talented individuals.
Mignonne Profant, one of the family foundation’s founders, welcomed the guests. Over a gourmet three-course meal, there were several performances, one flowing seamlessly into the next. Scholarship recipients The Piano Boys, Rhyan Shweyk, 12, and Zeyn Shweyk, 13, who have been playing classical piano since age 5 and composing since age 8 and are already teaching others, began the program. Next was scholarship recipient and highly-acclaimed pianist Robert Cassidy, who teaches at the Music Academy of the West and is Director of Piano Chamber Music for Santa Barbara Strings.
The entertainment paused briefly to recognize and honor Jill Nida, Gary Simpson, and Sigrid Toye for their significant work over the years for the foundation.