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Santa Barbara Foundation hosts Celebrate Philanthropy to honor those who improve life in Santa Maria Valley: Mario A. Juarez and The DeBrum Family

Organizing Sponsor the Santa Barbara Foundation along with Gold Sponsor the Santa Maria Times announce that the DeBrum Family and Mario A. Juarez have been named honorees for 2023 Celebrate Philanthropy.

Selected by an independent committee from nominations submitted by community members, Mr. Juarez and Ronnie, Laura and Faith DeBrum and Landon Brown, will be honored at a celebration luncheon on Thursday, November 2 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Santa Maria Country Club, 505 West Waller Lane in Santa Maria. Santa Maria Mayor Alice Patino will serve as master of ceremonies for the event.

Tickets are available now for $40 each and may be purchased online at www.SBFoundation.org/CPAwards. Tables for eight may be purchased for $320.

Celebrate Philanthropy honors individuals, couples, or families who, through direct service or financial support, have demonstrated outstanding civic and charitable work to make the Santa Maria Valley a better place to live. Any community member may nominate, and nominations were open from August 1 to September 8, 2023.

“We are so honored to serve as organizing sponsor for Celebrate Philanthropy this year to recognize the DeBrum family and Mario Juarez,” shared Jackie Carrera, Santa Barbara Foundation President and CEO.

“When community members like Mario and the DeBrums pour their energy and passion into elevating issues like health and medicine, or education and opportunity, they make life better for everyone in the Santa Maria Valley, and they model what it means to give back. “

The DeBrum Family

“Eight years ago on her 11th birthday, Faith DeBrum was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Since them the family has championed cancer awareness and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for those in need,” shared DeBrum family nominator Ann Peyrat, Children’s Miracle Network Gift Officer at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Foundation.

“In fact, they’re nearing the collective million dollar mark through their involvement in two Santa Maria Golf tournaments: Golf for Wishes, [with Jared Bailey and Christy Sarten,] and Golfing for Little Heroes. They’ve become a driving force and the go-to experts on how to run events of this magnitude and success. So much so that other organizations reach out to them for advice.”

Ronnie has served in management at Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo Costco stores and has actively promoted that company’s May is for Miracles program, for the Children’s Miracle Network. Through that program, he motivated his teams to raise $45,000 -$63,000 each year and also inspired colleagues to launch supporting fundraisers in the community as well.

Families with whom the DeBrums have shared their story of triumph over cancer, report they serve as a source of comfort, reassurance, support and advice in the face of similar challenges.

Faith was named Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Queen in 2020. Over eight months at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, she still participated in 16 events and raised around $278,000 for VTC Enterprises.

Mario A. Juarez

“Through his committed service, steady leadership and financial support of local organizations, Mario A. Juarez exemplifies the ‘outstanding civic and charitable work in the Santa Maria Valley’ that [Celebrate Philanthropy] values,” explained nominator Jon Hooten, PhD, executive director of college advancement at Allan Hancock College and the AHC Foundation.

“We are fortunate to call Mario a friend of Allan Hancock College,” added Kevin Walthers, PdD, superintendent/president of Allan Hancock College. “His commitment to the community is well known, and his ability to contribute time and resources to our students is a perfect example of how he is changing the odds for northern Santa Barbara County.”

Juarez’ special interest in education has led to decades of service to Allan Hancock College as a member and past president of the Foundation’s Board of Directors and on the Hancock Bond Oversight Committee ensuring that public funds were being spent in accordance with taxpayer wishes.

In 2006, he established the Maria Romero Memorial Scholarship at Hancock in honor of his late grandmother, which he has funded annually for more than 15 years. He also taught a free estate planning course at Hancock.

He has also served in advisory and education roles at his alma mater St. Joseph’s High School, and St. Louis de Montfort, St. John Neumann and St. Mary’s of the Assumption Churches.

Juarez is also committed to making sure that the Santa Maria Valley has the best available health care for all residents and has served the Marian Hospital Foundation, including being the President of the Board, and is currently a member of Marian’s Community Board.

He was also involved in Habitat for Humanity’s former local affiliate including being President of the Board. Being able to see the homes that were built for families and how their lives were positively influenced is something very special to Juarez’ heart.

One of Juarez’ greatest joys is coaching his children’s youth soccer and basketball teams which he has done for many years.
Juarez, Managing Partner in the law firm of Juarez, Adam & Farley, LLP, and a father of five children ages 4 to 13 with his wife Linda, graduated from UCSB and UCLA law school as a first-generation college student, and returned to his hometown of Santa Maria to build his law practice, which for over 23 years has served both English- and Spanish-speaking clients.

In 2022, Celebrate Philanthropy honored Deborah Adam and George Adam and Linda Cordero and Mike Cordero, for extensive volunteering for local nonprofits, career service, and financial contributions to enhance life on the Central Coast.

Individuals or organizations interested in sponsoring the 2023 Celebrate Philanthropy luncheon may reach out to Kevin Kuga, Business Development Manager, at KKuga@SBFoundation.org or by calling (805) 963-1873.

About Santa Barbara Foundation
The Santa Barbara Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life throughout Santa Barbara County for all who live, work, play and visit here. Working in partnership with individuals, community organizations, nonprofits and government, the Foundation strives to address local communities’ most challenging needs. Recognizing that its work depends on the strength of the social sector, the Foundation is committed to the health and vitality of local nonprofits. Nearly every Santa Barbara County nonprofit organization and essential community project has been supported by the Foundation during its 95-year history. The Foundation connects philanthropists, experts in areas of challenge, and our community members facing challenges – and all who dream of stronger communities. To learn more, please visit SBFoundation.org.

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