Nominations are now open for the 18th Celebrate Philanthropy awards and luncheon. Community members in the Santa Maria Valley are invited to submit a nomination for any individual, couple, or family who, through direct service or financial support, have demonstrated outstanding civic and charitable work to make the Santa Maria Valley a better place. The Santa Barbara Foundation serves as organizing sponsor of the event and, with an independent committee, coordinates the nominations process.
Nominations for the 18th Celebrate Philanthropy program may be submitted at SBFoundation.org/CPAwards through midnight August 20, 2026. An independent committee representing Santa Maria Valley’s diverse communities will choose the 2026 Celebrate Philanthropy honorees.
The Celebrate Philanthropy luncheon will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the Santa Maria Country Club, 505 West Waller Lane in Santa Maria. Luncheon tickets will go on sale in mid-September.
As the organizing sponsor of Celebrate Philanthropy, the Santa Barbara Foundation is grateful for the support of sponsors, including the Santa Maria Times. Individuals or organizations interested in sponsoring the 2026 Celebrate Philanthropy awards and events, may reach out to Julia Kelly at JKelly@SBFoundation.org or call (805) 880-9384.
Kate Ferguson and Mike and Tricia Bouquet were named Celebrate Philanthropy honorees last year.
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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. She also dedicates her time to causes including CASA of Santa Barbara County, Shoes for Students, Santa Maria Valley YMCA, CALM, Human Trafficking Awareness, Women’s Veterans Services, Veterans Stand Down and Cuyama Kids.
Mike and Tricia Bouquet 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 Santa Maria Valley YMCA, St. Joseph High School, CASA of Santa Barbara County, 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.
About Santa Barbara Foundation
Founded in 1928, the Santa Barbara Foundation actively connects donors, nonprofits, government, businesses and the people of Santa Barbara County to take on the most challenging needs facing our region’s communities. Recognizing that its work depends on the strength of the social sector, the Foundation is committed to the health and vitality of local nonprofits. Knowing that together we can do more, the Foundation mobilizes charitable giving and connects their expertise to that of donors, nonprofits, and residents to create meaningful impact on the communities of our county. SBFoundation.org.
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