Carlsbad CA— C3, Carlsbad Causes for Community, is closing its doors January of 2018. Founded by Deb Ferraro in 2012 and gained 501c3 status in 2013, the Carlsbad non-profit consisted of local businesses, non-profits andCarlsbad residents who raised money for community causes. C3 focused on providing social, athletic, recreational, and wellness services and activities for those who live, work, and play in the Village of Carlsbad. The October 28 Halloween In The Village marked the last event of the non-profit.
C3 came about at a crucial time when there weren’t many events going on in the Carlsbad Village. Once a city-funded event, Halloween In The Village was taken over by C3 in 2013. In the last couple of years, the Carlsbad Village Association, CVA, has become more active putting on merchant events. Beginning in 2018, CVA will take over Halloween In The Village, as well as many other community events in the Village.

“I started the non-profit after raising funds for some of my yoga students who needed help”, said Deb Ferraro. We, C3, put on dozens of events and raised thousands of dollars for local causes and community programs through yoga classes, events, and silent auctions, bringing the community together. In the last couple of years, the CVA has grown and the village is flourishing. I am so happy to be able to pass on the efforts of C3 to other non-profits. The CVA will do an excellent job taking over Halloween in The Village.
C3 is generously donating its remaining funds to two non-profits: Got Your Back San Diego and the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation. In lieu of C3’s annual food drive for Got Your Back San Diego, this year, C3 gifted the organization $1,000 to purchase 130 winter blankets and pillows for kids. Got Your Back San Diego made the heartfelt decision that the money would be spent to warm and comfort the children after a program recipient said that he didn’t need a jacket every day, but his little brother sleeps on the floor and doesn’t have a blanket to keep him warm. This was his response when asked if he prefers a jacket or blanket.
C3 will gift The Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation approximately $1500 to use on environment education at the Lagoon. Their mission is to inspire people through education and outreach to preserve and protect the Lagoon as an accessible and healthy watershed. Ferraro has been involved with the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation since she came to Carlsbad in 2011 when she began teaching yoga there before opening her own yoga and fitness center in Carlsbad Village. Currently a member of the organization, Ferraro volunteers at the non-profit’s annual gala and donates to their silent auction fundraisers. Ferraro supports the foundation for its involvement in educating both kids and adults about the environment and looks forward to holding some yoga fundraising events at the Lagoon in 2018.
C3 was headquartered in Ferraro’s previously owned yoga and fitness center in Carlsbad Village. The C3 board consists of Ferraro and Roni Mayben, President of Heritage Senior Care. Mayben continues to operate in Carlsbad Village and remains active in the community. In October 2017, after the Halloween in The Village event, Ferraro closed her yoga and fitness center in Carlsbad Village. She relocated her Me and Mommy classes to the Lil’ Busy Bodies Play Gym in Vista Village where it is closer to her home. “The time is right for me to step back and start a new chapter in my life as a mother of a toddler, life partner and business owner”, said Ferraro. “I will continue my non-profit work in the capacity of a volunteer and also through teaching yoga to help raise money and awareness for causes I believe in.”