ARTICLE
Our community recently said goodbye to a familiar face, a booming voice, and an unmistakable presence, Rod Caborn, a longtime Chamber Ambassador whose impact reached far beyond any single event or introduction. Rod wasn’t just someone who showed up. He arrived. Whether you met him at a ribbon cutting, a networking mixer, or one of the countless fundraisers he emceed, you likely remember the energy he brought into the room. With his signature style, quick wit, and genuine curiosity about others, Rod had a way of making people feel seen, welcomed, and part of something bigger. Originally from Lowestoft, England, Rod brought with him a blend of British charm and global perspective. His journey took him from university rugby pitches to captaining a professional team in Barcelona, but it was Santa Cruz where he ultimately built his life, career, and deep community ties. After meeting his wife Kelly abroad, he made Santa Cruz home, raising a family and becoming, in his own words, a proud “girl dad.” Professionally, many knew Rod as the voice behind the mic, the emcee and auctioneer who could turn any event into an experience. Through his work with First Class Fundraising, he helped raise more than $50 million for schools and nonprofits, always blending humor with heart in a way that inspired generosity and connection. For the Chamber, Rod’s role as an Ambassador stood out in a different way. He understood that strong communities are built on relationships, and he approached that responsibility with enthusiasm and care. He welcomed new members, made introductions feel effortless, and brought a sense of fun and authenticity to every interaction. He did not just represent the Chamber. He embodied what it means to be engaged, supportive, and community minded. Rod’s life was also marked by a remarkable sense of adventure and determination, from endurance races to creative pursuits, and even to the Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre stage, where many recognized him each year in The Nutcracker. No matter the setting, he showed up fully and joyfully. In recent years, Rod faced ALS with the same courage and spirit that defined his life, supported by his family and the community he had given so much to. Remembering Rod: Notes from Our Ambassadors Rod made a lasting impression on everyone he met, and especially on those who served alongside him as Chamber Ambassadors. His humor, generosity, and ability to connect people are qualities many of us will carry forward. We have invited our current Ambassadors to share a few words about what Rod meant to them. Their reflections speak to the spirit he brought to this role and to our community. “What a vibrant and exceptional individual! Rod touched the lives of all he met and will be dearly missed.” -Duf Fisher, Chamber Ambassador Lead- “As I heard at Rod's Celebration of Life...Rod made you feel like the person you want to be. It resonated with me because I've been fortunate enough to experience it first hand. I had a deep respect for his seemingly endless joy, positive attitude and love of adventure (and trouble). He will always hold a special place in my heart.” -Sara Horsley, Chamber Ambassador- “Rod may be gone but his spirit and zest for life, love for family and friends will never be forgotten. I will always treasure our interactions through the years and his flair for fashion at events. A true gentleman, rest in peace Rod.” -Chris Maffia, Chamber Ambassador - Rod leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured simply in dollars raised or events hosted. It lives on in the relationships he built, the laughter he sparked, and the countless people he brought together. For those of us at the Chamber, we will remember Rod not only for what he did, but for how he made people feel, welcomed, energized, and connected. He will be deeply missed.
Our community recently said goodbye to a familiar face, a booming voice, and an unmistakable presence, Rod Caborn, a longtime Chamber Ambassador whose impact reached far beyond any single event or introduction.
Rod wasn’t just someone who showed up. He arrived. Whether you met him at a ribbon cutting, a networking mixer, or one of the countless fundraisers he emceed, you likely remember the energy he brought into the room. With his signature style, quick wit, and genuine curiosity about others, Rod had a way of making people feel seen, welcomed, and part of something bigger.
Originally from Lowestoft, England, Rod brought with him a blend of British charm and global perspective. His journey took him from university rugby pitches to captaining a professional team in Barcelona, but it was Santa Cruz where he ultimately built his life, career, and deep community ties. After meeting his wife Kelly abroad, he made Santa Cruz home, raising a family and becoming, in his own words, a proud “girl dad.”
Professionally, many knew Rod as the voice behind the mic, the emcee and auctioneer who could turn any event into an experience. Through his work with First Class Fundraising, he helped raise more than $50 million for schools and nonprofits, always blending humor with heart in a way that inspired generosity and connection.
For the Chamber, Rod’s role as an Ambassador stood out in a different way. He understood that strong communities are built on relationships, and he approached that responsibility with enthusiasm and care. He welcomed new members, made introductions feel effortless, and brought a sense of fun and authenticity to every interaction. He did not just represent the Chamber. He embodied what it means to be engaged, supportive, and community minded.
Rod’s life was also marked by a remarkable sense of adventure and determination, from endurance races to creative pursuits, and even to the Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre stage, where many recognized him each year in The Nutcracker. No matter the setting, he showed up fully and joyfully.
In recent years, Rod faced ALS with the same courage and spirit that defined his life, supported by his family and the community he had given so much to.
Remembering Rod: Notes from Our Ambassadors
Rod made a lasting impression on everyone he met, and especially on those who served alongside him as Chamber Ambassadors. His humor, generosity, and ability to connect people are qualities many of us will carry forward.
We have invited our current Ambassadors to share a few words about what Rod meant to them. Their reflections speak to the spirit he brought to this role and to our community.
“What a vibrant and exceptional individual! Rod touched the lives of all he met and will be dearly missed.” -Duf Fisher, Chamber Ambassador Lead-
“As I heard at Rod's Celebration of Life...Rod made you feel like the person you want to be. It resonated with me because I've been fortunate enough to experience it first hand. I had a deep respect for his seemingly endless joy, positive attitude and love of adventure (and trouble). He will always hold a special place in my heart.” -Sara Horsley, Chamber Ambassador-
“Rod may be gone but his spirit and zest for life, love for family and friends will never be forgotten. I will always treasure our interactions through the years and his flair for fashion at events. A true gentleman, rest in peace Rod.” -Chris Maffia, Chamber Ambassador -
Rod leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured simply in dollars raised or events hosted. It lives on in the relationships he built, the laughter he sparked, and the countless people he brought together.
For those of us at the Chamber, we will remember Rod not only for what he did, but for how he made people feel, welcomed, energized, and connected. He will be deeply missed.