royalpridefoundation

Big news for San Marcos High School! 🚨

We’re honored to share that Betty Elings Wells has made a transformational $1 million gift to support student wellness at SMHS.

As featured in Edhat and the Santa Barbara Independent, this investment will help create the Elings Wells Family Wellness Center and advance a long-term vision for student wellness, community care, and the future of health and behavioral health education at San Marcos.

We are incredibly grateful to Betty Elings Wells for her extraordinary generosity and commitment to our students and families. 💙❤️

An unforgettable night. A powerful impact.

More than 240 parents, educators, alumni, and community members came together under the stars at the Santa Barbara Club for the Royal Pride Foundation’s annual Royal Ball, raising approximately $250,000 to support students at San Marcos High School.

This sold-out evening was made possible by co-chairs Alexis Tande and Dalina Klan, an incredible benefit committee - Liz O’Brien, Dana Rock, Michael Matheson, Amy Mognis, and Michele Voigt - and the dedication of Karen Callanan, Emily Greig, our Royal Pride Foundation Board, and San Marcos student volunteers.

More than a celebration, it reflected what’s possible when a community shows up for its students.

“Tonight, we gather not only in celebration, but with a shared purpose: to invest in the moment a student hears ‘yes,’” shared Royal Pride Foundation President Kristi Newton. “Yes, you belong. Yes, you are supported. Yes, your future is full of possibility.”

From academics and arts to athletics and wellness, these funds support programs that ensure every Royal has access to opportunity and belonging.
And that impact is real.

“We went from the 40th to the 90th percentile in students’ sense of belonging… and are now in the 90th percentile in school climate, safety, and supportive relationships,” said Principal Dare Holdren.

We were proud to honor:
✨ Stacey & Ryan Fell - Forever Royal Award
✨ Frann Wageneck - Royal Pride Inspiration Award

“We are here tonight for the students whose parents are not here,” shared Stacey Fell - a powerful reminder of why this work matters.

We also celebrated the future with the Elings Wells Family Wellness Center and the continued expansion of the Cottage Health Careers Academy.

To our sponsors and every guest - thank you. Because of you, the impact of this night extends far beyond the Royal ball.

Our greatest impact is still ahead.
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