Each year the Tempe Community Action Agency (TCAA) gives the Barbara Norton Service in Action Award to one outstanding individual who gives with his or her heart and goes above and beyond the call of duty to address the needs of others in our community. Here at Santa Barbara Catering, we are honored that our owner, Pat Christofolo received this year’s award.
The TCAA has formed many programs to assist low-income and fixed-income families in the community. They have recognized Pat for her continual advocacy and contribution to the programs, people and areas of need in the city of Tempe.
Every year, TCAA hosts a fundraiser called the First Crush Charity Gala with gourmet food stations for guests, live music and silent auction. Pat graciously donates the food, linens, and decor every year for the fundraiser. She also assists with event coordination, securing a full donation of tables, chairs, lighting and other rentals for the event. Additionally, Santa Barbara Catering donates food each year to the I-HELP (Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program) program through TCAA for the homeless. This program strives to provide lodging and comfort for those without shelter and supplies this to an average of 30 homeless people a night, seven nights a week. Pat has been a major contributor to this program.
In addition to donating food to TCAA, Pat was president of the board of the Tempe Community Action Agency. Her efforts have been an integral part of the TCAA, as well as the Tempe community in general.
Please join us in congratulating Pat. It is an honor to work with her. She is truly deserving of such a special award.
The Arizona chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Arizona) held its 2010 AIA Arizona Design Awards Ceremony and annual gala in September at the Phoenix Art Museum. Before the ceremony began, guests gathered in the Great Hall to relax, enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeurves while discussing the local architecture industry.
The event matched the sleek, modern interior of the museum with spectacular black, sliver and moss colored linens with glowing wax vessel candle centerpieces. Black bookcases were transformed into custom food “bars” where uniformed chefs served small-plate offerings. Station dishes were displayed on a chalkboard as “specials of the day.” The items that guests could choose from were as follows:
Chicken & Waffles
A unique combination – thin Strips of Homemade Waffles & Fried Chicken Strips
Drizzled with Maple Syrup
Creamy Roasted Beet Gnocchi
With Shaved Pecorino and Topped with “Baby Bulls Blood” Microgreens
Mini Barbecued Pork Sliders
Slathered in a Spicy Sauce
Topped off with Creamy Coleslaw that creates the perfect crunch
Charred Cherry Tomato Salad
Topped with a Goat Cheese Crostini
Trio of Chilled Soup Shots
These brilliantly-colored soups are served up in Shot Glasses
~ Gazpacho topped with Fresh Crab Meat
~Cantaloupe Soup
~Honeydew Soup
When guests moved into the theater for the awards portion of the evening, the food bars were transformed into dessert bars. After the ceremony ended, attendees indulged in the following bite-sized desserts:
White Chocolate-Pumpkin Spice Truffle “Lollipops”
Caramel & Sea Salt Truffles
Trio of Homemade Marshmallows
Skewered Cubes of Housemade Vanilla, Chocolate, and Strawberry Marshmallows
Candy “Shots”
White and Milk Chocolate Mousse Served in Jiggers, Layered and Topped with Candy Bar Shards… Snickers, Reese’s, & Oreos
This intricate menu was created to complement the prestigious awards given for the high standard architectural designs, plans and construction projects submitted. Congratulations to all the winners at the 2010 AIA Arizona Design Awards.
So exciting for all of us here at Santa Barbara and for our client! On May 14, the International Special Events Society (ISES) held its fourth annual Arizona Event Industry Awards (The ZONIES) at Chase Field. ISES honored Arizona’s top industry professionals from 2009 in 13 award categories. Santa Barbara Catering Company took home the award for Best Corporate Event under $25,000 for our planning and execution of the “Agency Event of the Year.”
Zion & Zion, one of Phoenix’s top five full-service marketing agencies wanted to celebrate the opening of its new facility just off Mill Avenue in Tempe with a by-invitation-only party for over 200 guests.
They wanted to present dishes in a creative ways to reflect the creativity of their agency. In addition they wanted to incorporate southern-comfort foods with an elegant touch, while not straying from their environmentally-friendly values.
By generating new trends for the industry, such as the DJ performing on the ceiling of one of the Zion & Zion conference rooms, to the specialty lighting and the unique presentations of the fare, we’re proud to say that our event execution received rave reviews from invited media and secured us a 2010 ZONIES award.
The Farm at South Moutain and Santa Barbara Catering Company hosts Where Magazine's gala awards
Hundreds of Arizona’s top concierges, managers and travel industry members from the state’s elite resorts, hotels and publications will gather under the glittering Pecan Grove canopy of The Farm at South Mountain for Where Magazine’s Silver Plume Awards.
On Sunday, November 15th, Where Magazine will honor the Valley of the Sun Concierge Network with its annual Silver Plume Awards to acknowledge the industry’s Concierge of the Year, the top Up and Coming Concierge, the Anna Snider Distinguished Service Concierge and the General Manager of the Year Award.
As a major partners and sponsors, Santa Barbara Catering Company and The Farm at South Mountain will host, manage and cater the gala event. Chef Gregory LaPrad of Quiessence Restaurant will kick off the event with fall-inspired hors d’oeuvres during a cocktail reception. Next, Santa Barbara Catering Company will serve a rustic multi-course farm dinner showcasing the season’s bounty.
“Santa Barbara Catering has an established reputation for its pristine cuisine, over the top events and ultimate care for guests,” said Sarah Green, Where Magazine’s marketing manager. “That’s exactly what this event is meant to celebrate.”
Invitations to the Silver Plume Awards were distributed exclusively by Where Magazine. The Farm at South Mountain is one of the Valley’s top event venues for weddings, corporate events, company picnics or gala dinners.
We’re growing! And we owe it all to our clients, friends and amazing staff!
In the August issue, Inc. magazine featured Santa Barbara Catering Company on its third annual Inc. 5000, an exclusive ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. The list represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy—America’s independent-minded entrepreneurs.
“Savvy trend spotters and those who invest in private companies know that the Inc. 5000 is the best place to find out about young companies that are achieving success through a wide variety of unprecedented business models, as well as older private companies that are still expanding at an impressive rate,” said Inc. 5000 project manager Jim Melloan. “That’s why our list is so eagerly anticipated every year.”
How’d we do it?
Santa Barbara Catering provides catering services for social and corporate events, with an emphasis on quality, repeat business, community and environmental awareness.
We continually work hard to earn your business, everyday. As we grow and strive toward success, we take our clients with us. Thank you to our clients, friends, partners, venues and staff.
The August “100 Best of Arizona” issue of Arizona Highways has named the Farm at South Mountain the “Best Place To Picnic Under A Pecan Tree.” As a sister company to Santa Barbara Catering Company, the Farm is a premier event venue for weddings, company picnics and corporate events.
The 12-acre oasis features rows of grass lawns and a canopy of historic pecan trees that provide a pastoral setting for casual afternoon lunches from the Farm Kitchen, or an exciting outdoor venue for large events.
