By Judith Smith-Meyer | September 12, 2023
We’re looking forward to Celebrate Philanthropy, when the community honors individuals, couples, or families who provide outstanding civic and charitable work to make the Santa Maria Valley a better place to live. Celebrate Philanthropy was formed by a collaboration of several nonprofit organizations, local to the Santa Maria Valley, to raise the visibility of philanthropy at work in the community while recognizing just a few of the people who have had a major impact on the local nonprofit landscape.
The nominations period closed on September 8 and an independent committee will shortly convene to select the 2023 honorees. The honorees will be announced on September 25 and celebrated at a luncheon on Thursday, November 2 at the Santa Maria Country Club. Tickets for the luncheon go on sale September 25.
Last year, we were proud to honor Deborah and George Adam and Linda and Mike Cordero at Celebrate Philanthropy.
“George and Deborah Adam believe in opening doors for others and providing equal opportunities,” noted Jessa Brooks, nominator, and Vice President of Philanthropy at Marian Regional Medical Center. “They are passionate about supporting local health, educational opportunities, youth services, and food insecurity.”
The Adams, owners of Innovative Produce, give generously to Marian Regional Medical Center and have also been major supporters for Allan Hancock College, Boys & Girls Club, Santa Maria Discovery Museum, Fighting Back SMV, St. Joseph High School, St. Louis De Montfort School/Church, Catholic Charities, Make-A-Wish, Oasis Center, Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, 4-H FFA, SEEAG, SMV YMCA, SM Police and Fire, and more.
George and Deborah volunteer with and have served on the boards of the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Discovery Museum, the EconAlliance Ag Forum, the Grower-Shipper Association of SLO and SB counties, and Marian Regional Medical Center, among others.
Linda and Mike Cordero received Celebrate Philanthropy honors last year, for their professional, elected, and voluntary service to the Santa Maria Valley.
“As Santa Maria residents for almost 50 years, Mike and Linda have dug in, gotten dirty, helped those in need, and truly made a difference,” said Ann McCarty, nominator, and Executive Director of North County Rape Crisis & Child Protection Center.
The Corderos both chose careers in public service. Mike served as a 39-year career police officer, followed by continued service as a Santa Maria City Councilman. Linda has served for 50 years in the Santa Maria-Bonita School District, currently as a board member.
The Corderos have volunteered and served on committees and boards, including the Santa Maria Elks, North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center, North County United Way of Santa Barbara County, Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast, North Santa Barbara County Women’s Fund, and Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara County, among others.
SBF is proud to serve as organizing sponsor for Celebrate Philanthropy, with gold sponsor the Santa Maria Times.
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