In 2005, a small group of community volunteers, Las Madrinas, gathered together to organize the Rebozo Festival; a benefit event to raise funds for various Ventura County non-profit charitable organizations focusing on the cultural, social and educational needs of the community. The event promotes the rich cultural heritage of our area by highlighting the colorful Mexican rebozo (shawl) as our theme.

The group has raised funds for many non-profit organizations including Inlakech Cultural Center, United Farm Workers Freeze Relief Fund, the Oxnard College Women's Re-entry Program, the Ventura County Chapter of Parents of Murdered Children, and the Foundation, Educational and Employment Resources Development/Café on A. Proceeds from this year's 2011 event will benefit the Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), Centro Mujer. Funds will be used for leadership development and training of women to take active roles to transform their families and their communities.

The event has been an overwhelming success largely due to the generous donations of committee members who have provided the food, drinks, location, decorations and entertainment. The three-hour brunch event includes a fashion show showcasing the rebozo, a silent and a live auction, as well as, entertainment. Those who have attended in the past represented a spectrum of generations and were active participants who donned their favorite, vibrant and brilliant rebozo.

Many local sponsors have generously supported the event. The event has funded performing arts programs (Mariachi classes) for the Oxnard Union High School District. Other notable recipients include the United Way Community Action Fund, and the Oxnard College Women’s Re-entry Program among other organizations.