The Santa Ynez Valley Foundation proudly celebrated 11 extraordinary community champions whose volunteer efforts span a wide range of causes — from leading food distribution programs to reopening a library and advocating for music education, and more.

On Sunday October 13th, 2024 an enthusiastic group of 200 guests gathered in Los Olivos at the picturesque Rancho Carmina where these remarkable volunteers were recognized. Nominated by the community and selected by the board and past award recipients, each honoree shares a common bond: a selfless dedication to uplifting our community and those around them.

As part of the awards, the Foundation presented $1,000 checks to each of the Youth Community Champions and $1,000 for recipients to donate to a nonprofit of their choice. Read more about the event here.

2024 Champions of the Valley honorees!

Award Recipients 1996-2023

Judy Adams ● Terry Ames ● Carol Anders ● Dean Anders ● Ken Andersen ● Barbara Anderson ● Michael Balaban ● Dorothy Brunton ● Linda Stafford Burrows ● Kathleen Campbell ● Judith Canby ● June Christensen ● Mary Anne Christensen Martin Coyle ● John Crowell ● Judith Dale ● Dean Davidge ● Rev. Randall Day ● Jerri Domingos ● Bernice Dotz ● Mary Ann Evans ● Jerry Ewing ● Pam Gnekow ● David Goldstein ● Sid Goldstein ● Barbara Hallum ● Paul Halme ● Priscilla Higgins ● Marie Jaeger ● Linda Johansen ● Allan Jones ● Dr. A. Art Kaslow ● Frank Kelsey ●  Jim Lohnas ● Puck Erickson Lohnas ● Linda Marzullo ● Paul Matthies ● Rich Nagler ● Chris Nielsen ● Daryl Nielsen ● Joan Ott ● Frank Ostini ● Jack Pellerin ● Greg Pensa ● Carolynn Petersen ● Chuck Pira ● John Rasmussen ● Sylvia Remmenga ● Jim Richard ● Gabrielle Robbins ● Peter Robbins ● Tresha Sell ● Donald Sorenson