Santa Barbara’s favorite emcee has helped raised millions of dollars for local causes. But he can’t be outbid when it comes to community service.
His stationery (created by a 7-year-old admirer) reads, “From the desk of Mr. Santa Barbara, Mr. Montecito & the Godfather of Goleta, the one and only Larry Crandell.” But to most of us, he needs no introduction.
Even if you haven’t had the pleasure of his company one on one, you’ve no doubt seen him on stage, tirelessly raising money for causes ranging from the YMCA, the Boys & Girls Clubs, Hospice, the PARC Foundation, Transition House, the Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table and just about every other nonprofit organization in town.
Crandell estimates he is the master of ceremonies or auctioneer for about 100 charity events a year.
“I have a test. If I’m asked, I do it,” said the decorated World War II bombardier.
If people don’t know Crandell from his carrying of the philanthropic torch, they could certainly recognize him from when he carried the Olympic Torch in 2002, or be acquainted with him through his wife of 54 years, Marcy, or his five children — Larry Jr., Michael, Ashley (now deceased), Steven and Leslie — all of whom were raised in Santa Barbara.
Showing off pictures from his days playing basketball at Syracuse University, where the twinkle in his eye is immediately recognizable even 60 years later, Crandell proudly jokes that his five children, who went to Stanford University and UCSB, weren’t smart enough to follow in his academic footsteps.
Having already launched a successful software company with son Michael, Crandell is developing a new venture with Steven. There could be no better ambassador into the Santa Barbara business community than Larry Crandell, who has hobnobbed with just about everyone.
“When you’ve worked with a common cause there’s a camaraderie that you can’t do just by socializing, so I have access that I think I have the confidence to follow,” he said.
A degree of separation away from Crandell are the many celebrities with whom he’s done events, including Michael Douglas and Dennis Miller.
Humoring local philanthropists like Paul Ridley-Tree, who Crandell jokes is a special man, “he’s bid over $3 million, but he’s never bought anything,” is also a part of his repartee.
“My routine doesn’t change very much,” he admitted. “My secret is to keep changing audiences.
“I feel as though I’m on a victory tour, like a retiring athlete, only I don’t go anywhere and people treat me kindly.
“… At 82, life is sweet, I guess is the best way to put it.”