May Madness Returns to Cayucos May 24
The Cayucos Chamber of Commerce invites all to the party of the year, May Madness, on Saturday, May 24, at 6 p.m. in the Cayucos Elementary School auditorium. This festive evening features a dinner, exciting auctions, and over $5,000 in prizes and giveaways, all to benefit the town’s beloved 4th of July celebration.
Guests will enjoy a fun-filled night complete with:
• Live auction featuring exclusive local experiences and items
• Silent auction with one-of-a-kind treasures
• A crowd-favorite Wine Pull for a chance to score premium bottles
May Madness is the only fundraiser that supports Cayucos’ full lineup of Independence Day events, including the fireworks show, Front Street Faire, public safety, sanitation, and event permitting. With rising costs across the board, community participation is critical to keeping these cherished traditions going strong.
New this year, the Chamber has introduced something special — VIP Sparkler Tables. These upgraded tables include reserved seating for eight, appetizers, desserts, bottles of wine, and table service, creating an elevated experience for those looking to celebrate in style. VIP tickets can even be hand-delivered locally, golden ticket-style.
Tickets start at $200 and are available at Sea Shanty, Schooners, Edward Jones or online at cayucoschamber.com/shop/may-madness-tickets.
For full details on the 4th of July festivities, including parade information, the sand sculpture contest, fireworks schedule, and more, go to www.cayucoschamber.com/july4th.
Arts Bring in the Bucks
San Luis Obispo’s creative spirit isn’t just inspiring; it’s an important part of the local economy.
A countywide report recently released by the San Luis Obispo County Arts Council (SLO County Arts) reveals that arts and cultural activities within City limits attracted 1.1 million attendees in fiscal year 2024, supported 718 jobs (full-time, part-time and seasonal), and had a total economic impact of nearly $27 million.
Arts and cultural organizations play an important role in supporting the tourism industry as well. The report estimated that San Luis Obispo visitors who attended arts and cultural experiences on their trip generated $99 million in spending, supported 1,763 jobs, and had a total economic impact of about $163 million in SLO.
“From our murals and sculptures to world-class performances and festivals, creativity is woven into everyday life in San Luis Obispo — and the study illustrates how that contributes to our economic and cultural vitality,” said City Manager Whitney McDonald. “The insights from this report will help inform our future programming and investment in this sector, in alignment with our Major City Goals.”
The report notes the City’s decades-long commitment to the arts to helping the sector thrive. The City invests about $2 million annually in arts and culture, including in its public art program, community promotions, placemaking activities, cultural activities, and low-cost lease agreements with various arts and cultural organizations.
Officials say the City is proud to have one of California’s first municipal public art programs and continues to set aside 1% of capital improvement plan funds annually to support public art projects. This investment alone has resulted in more than 100 permanent art pieces that everyone can enjoy for free. The City’s public art transforms parks, streets, and plazas into open-air art galleries celebrating the local culture and natural environments.
The City has also provided significant one-time grants to arts and cultural organizations in recent years to various individual projects, including nearly $4 million toward the new SLO REP theatre capital campaign.
The report also notes that focus group participants identified several challenges and opportunities for the sector, including strengthening the financial sustainability of arts and cultural organizations, increasing affordable artist housing and venues, expanding audience engagement, and deepening cross-sector collaboration and investment.
Commissioned by SLO County Arts with funding support from the City of San Luis Obispo and the City of Paso Robles, the study is the first comprehensive look at the creative economy in a decade. Researchers from PolicyCraft Institute combined surveys, economic modeling, and focus group data to capture the sector’s reach across tourism, employment, and community wellbeing.
The full Creative Economy Report is available at slocountyarts.org/creative-economy-report.
Spokes Expert Event
The Spokes “Ask an Expert: Fundraising” presentation takes place on May 27 from Noon to 1 p.m. The event takes place on Zoom and is $25 for general admission and $10 for Spokes members.
Spokes Ask an Expert is a series of small-group learning sessions that bring together nonprofit leaders and staff with local experts to explore timely and relevant topics. This session, dedicated to Fundraising, is designed for organizations that may not have a Development Director.
Attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions in advance and engage in live discussions during the session.
The following topics could serve as a basis for generating questions:
-Developing a Fundraising Strategy
-Donor Cultivation & Retention
-Priority of Fundraising Campaigns and Channels
-Messaging and Storytelling
-Evaluating Data to Measure Success
-Board Engagement
-Managing Donor Data
-Grant Writing
Time with the expert and space are limited. Submit your question(s) at registration. Register to receive the log-in information at spokesfornonprofits.org under classes/workshops.
Cozy Faber is the Deputy Director of Partnership and Giving at AGE Africa, a nonprofit providing life-changing opportunities to young women in Malawi through targeted initiatives in education, mentoring, and leadership development. Prior to AGE Africa, Cozy served as the Development Director at SLO Classical Academy. She proudly serves as President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ SLO Chapter and actively participates in local and online fundraising forums.
Organizers ask that attendees have your camera on during the session
The League of Women Voters to Register Voters at Mission Plaza
The League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County will provide voter registration and other voter services at Pride in the Plaza on May 31 and again at the Juneteenth Celebration on June 14.
Pride in the Plaza, the centerpiece of Pridefest 2025, runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 31. Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and marks the day in 1865 when Union soldiers announced the end of slavery in Galveston, Texas. The Juneteenth Celebration takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 14. This year’s theme is “We’re Still Here – Standing Together.”
“The rights of American voters are under attack,” League representatives said. “From gerrymandering voting districts; to erecting barriers to register to vote or change your name, address or political affiliation on your voter registration; to challenging the legitimacy of vote-by-mail, efforts to suppress the vote and limit the franchise are alive and well in our nation and our state.
“The League seeks to ensure that all qualified Americans are registered to vote. To register or update your registration, to learn your rights, visit the League booth at Pride in the Plaza on May 31 and again at the Juneteenth Celebration on June 14.”
The League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County is a nonpartisan, grassroots civic organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Membership in the League is open to people 16 years and older, of all gender identities. With more than 100 years’ experience.
Are you or a neighbor Taking Care of Business. Is your business, including non-profits, supporting our community? Maybe you’re launching a new business, or you’re making updates to your current business model, or re-opening. Perhaps you have a job opportunity, or have been doing some volunteer work, or are collaborating with another business or a non-profit. Or maybe you know someone who is. Submit your awesome local efforts for publication to EditorEBN@gmail.com.
