Celebrate Philanthropy

Nominations for Celebrate Philanthropy 2026 are open through August 20, 2026. Honorees will be notified in late September and recognized at the Celebrate Philanthropy Luncheon on Thursday, November 5, 2026. Questions? Contact Anna Boren Lopez at ABoren@SBFoundation.org.

To become a sponsor of Celebrate Philanthropy Awards, please contact Julia Kelly at JKelly@SBFoundation.org.


About Celebrate Philanthropy

Celebrate Philanthropy honors individuals, couples or families who, through direct service or financial support, have demonstrated outstanding civic and charitable work in the Santa Maria Valley.

Philanthropy means literally “love of mankind.” Few communities embody the true spirit of philanthropy quite like Santa Maria Valley. Whether giving time, talent, or treasure, many of our residents go above and beyond to help others and to strengthen our community. Celebrate Philanthropy was created not only to honor these outstanding role models, but also to share their stories and inspire others. Each year an independent committee representing diverse Santa Maria Valley community members comes together to select individuals, couples, or families who, through direct service or financial support, have demonstrated outstanding civic and charitable work in the Santa Maria Valley. Recipients are selected from a wide range of candidates who have been nominated by community members.

 

 


Former Honorees

Mike and Tricia Bouquet | Kate Ferguson | Diane Adam | George & Deborah Adam | Henri & Jeanie Ardantz | Stu & Jan Bartleson | Dan & Peggy Blough | Mike & Tricia Bouquet | Jim Bray | Mike & Linda Cordero | Amy Curti | Patrick & Dana Cusack Family | Maggi Daane | Ronnie, Laura, Faith DeBrum and Landon Brown | Kate Ferguson | Georganne Ferini | Patrick & Jeri Ferini | Greg & Donna France | Judy & Erik Frost | Mike Gibson | Agnes Grogan | Marylinn Green | Nancy K. Johnson | Mario A. Juarez, Esq. | Royce & Ann Lewellen | Suzanne Levy | Delores & Jerry Luis | Tom & Mary Jane Martinez | Clarence & Rosalie Minetti | Tim Murphy |  Ed & Lisa Murray | Ron & Mary Nanning | Joe & Jean Olivera | Frank & Scottie Ortiz | Gayle Pratt | Dennis & Franziska Shepard | Dorothy & Mark Smith | Sue J. Sword | Anne & Jay Will | John F. Will | Edwin & Jeanne Woods

Learn more about past honorees here.

 

Meet Last Year’s Honorees

Mike and Tricia Bouquet

The Bouquets are longtime community leaders whose service and generosity span health care, education, youth programs, and faith-based organizations. They have supported Marian Regional Medical Center, the YMCA, St. Joseph High School, CASA, Hats for Hope, CALM,  and more. Tricia co-leads the Orcutt Union School District holiday fundraiser, while Mike has served in leadership with the Chamber of Commerce, Marian, REACH, and the St. Joseph High School Advisory Board.

Kate Ferguson

Kate Ferguson has dedicated her leadership and compassion to improving lives across the Santa Maria Valley. She serves as the Care Committee Chair for the Rotary Club of Santa Maria Breakfast, supporting families in crisis, and lends her time to causes including CASA of Santa Barbara County, Shoes for Students, YMCA, CALM, Human Trafficking Awareness, Women’s Veterans Services, Veterans Stand Down, and Cuyama Kids.

 


To become a sponsor of Celebrate Philanthropy Awards, please contact Julia Kelly at JKelly@SBFoundation.org.

Last Year’s Sponsors



All Opportunities - Allan Hancock College Foundation

Community Bank of Santa Maria