CHAMPIONS OF THE VALLEY
30th Annual Volunteer Awards Celebration
Champions of the Valley: October 12, 2025
Join us in celebrating the spirit of service that makes our region shine—and the volunteers who make it all possible!
The Santa Ynez Valley Foundation proudly presents the 30th Annual Champions of the Valley, a cherished tradition honoring extraordinary volunteers who give their time, talent, and heart to enhance the quality of life in the Santa Ynez Valley and Los Alamos.
Date: Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.
Location: The beautiful Rancho Carmina in Los Olivos
Now in its 30th year, Champions of the Valley is a cherished tradition. The celebration will be held at beautiful Rancho Carmina in Los Olivos, beginning with a festive patio reception featuring delicious bites and beverages prepared and served by members of the Women Winemakers and Culinarians Foundation.
2025 Champion Honorees
Lifetime Achievement Honoree
Youth Community Champions
Champions are nominated by community members like you and selected by a panel of past honorees and Foundation board members.
Adult Champions each receive a $1,000 grant to direct to the nonprofit of their choice, a celebration of generosity that comes full circle.
Youth Champions (grades 9–12) are awarded a $1,000 scholarship to support their educational goals.
Partner with us!
We invite you to join our growing list of sponsors. Sponsoring the 30th Annual Champions of the Valley Awards Celebration is a meaningful way to demonstrate your commitment to community leadership and volunteerism. Sponsorships are available at a variety of levels and include valuable benefits.
CHAMPIONS OF THE VALLEY 2024
On Sunday October 13th, 2024, the Santa Ynez Valley Foundation 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. 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. Read more about the event here.
Learn more about the 2024 Champions of the Valley honorees!
Read about how the late rock icon transformed music education in the Santa Ynez Valley click here
Discover this dynamo behind Santa Ynez Valley volunteerism: click here
click here to discover how the Vidros transform our community through dedicated volunteerism.
click here to read how Lewellen reshaped the Santa Ynez Valley’s cultural landscape
Learn about passionate volunteer Charlotte Dickey Becerra: click here
Read how volunteer Dave Bemis shapes our community: click here
Be amazed at how Donna Hinsbeeck has touched countless lives: click here
click here to read profiles of the Youth honorees
Man & Woman of the Year 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
2020 Virtual Awards
We weren’t able to celebrate our extraordinary honorees in 2020 due to COVID-19. Instead, you can enjoy videos with them below.
2020 Man of the Year, Chris Nielsen
2020 Lifetime Achievement Award honoree Erik Gregersen
2020 Woman of the Year, Pam Gnekow