Vacation Gift Fund for Celesta Billeci – Retirement Celebration

Update: We successfully surprised Celesta and she was amazingly grateful. Once she officially retired on July 1st we set her up as beneficiary and expect her to receive funds very shortly. Thank you all for your generosity.

Richard Janssen, Retired Co-Chair UCSB Arts & Lectures Council

For 25 years, Celesta Billeci, the Executive Director of UCSB Arts & Lectures, has inspired our community, brought world-class programming to Santa Barbara, and enriched countless lives through the power of the arts.

As she embarks on a well-earned retirement, we want to express our deep appreciation by coming together to gift her a special Vacation Fund—a way for all of us to say "thank you" and help create unforgettable memories beyond the stage.

This is a personal gift, freely given out of love and gratitude for all that Celesta has contributed to our lives. It is not a bonus, compensation, or tied to past services. The funds will go directly to Celesta, allowing her and her family to enjoy a well-deserved vacation without restriction.

We invite all friends, colleagues, and supporters to contribute whatever feels right—large or small, every gift is a gesture of appreciation.

If you’ve ever been moved, inspired, or impacted by Celesta’s work, this is a wonderful opportunity to give back in a way that ensures her next chapter is filled with relaxation, adventure, and joy.

❤️ Let’s make this happen together! ❤️