The memory of a man known for his generosity on the South Coast is being honored with his own day this month.
The Santa Barbara City Council today declared that November 28th will be “Michael Towbes Day.” The late philanthropist supported hundreds of community projects over the decades. A foundation in his name gives about $900,000 annually to some 300 non-profits in the region.
The businessman and developer founded Montecito Bank and Trust, and was one of the founders of the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara. He and his wife Ann Smith Towbes gave millions to refurbish Santa Barbara’s Granada Theater.
Towbes died in April, at the age of 87, as a result of pancreatic cancer.
