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The Veteran’s Hall in Hollister was fully packed on Philanthropy Night with tables busy with conversation and laughter. Held Nov. 6 by the Community Foundation for San Benito County, the annual event focused on the county’s numerous nonprofits and those who support them.
The program cheered on the “Hometown Heroes” who contribute to, work for or volunteer for local nonprofit organizations.
Recognition was given to individuals who, in 2025, made a positive impact on organizations that serve community needs.
Keynote speaker Cathy Alameda personified a San Benito hometown hero. Alameda has been involved in agriculture her whole life and is inspired to share that passion with others.
Alameda started Hope Harvest Festival, a very successful fall event that earns money for the benefit of the American Cancer Society.
Cassandra Kartashov, who will be appointed Chief Executive Officer on Nov. 17, also spoke and offered a preview of the county’s new nonprofit leader. She shared the role nonprofits played in her life from benefitting from community services as a young child to running nonprofits herself.
Kartashov will take on this important role with more than 15 years of experience in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership.
The Community Foundation, now 20 years old, hosts Philanthropy Night which gives local San Benito County nonprofits the opportunity to honor residents who have helped serve their mission.
Local nonprofits gave out 41 letters of recognition.
Following is a list of the award recipients:
Mariah Giunter & Alexiz Winder – Alzheimer’s Association
John Madeiras – American Legion Post 69
Jesse Martinez – Aromas Grange
Andrea McCann – Aromas Hills Artisans
Nate Arroyo – Aromas-Watsonville Eagles Aerie
Lois Locci – BenitoLink (In memoriam)
Gene Hopp – Casa of San Benito County
Michael Ponce – City of San Juan Bautista
Larem Countryman – Community Foodbank of San Benito County
Fernando Gonzalez – Community Foundation for San Benito County
Janet Mayou – E Cubed Foundation (In memoriam)
Abundant Life Church – Emmaus House
Mary Larson – Fishes & Loaves
Seth & Katie Muenzer – Hazel Hawkins Hospital Foundation
Jen Dias – Hollister Downtown Association
Maria Calderon – JMM Dance Co.
Tami Erickson – Jovenes de Antaño
Savage Designs – Kinship Seneca
Judy Solis – Latino Coalition of San Benito County
Jose Zepeda – Latino Generations
Trish Garcia – Martha’s Kitchen
Connie Bishop Camuso, Frances Camuso, Valen Kreck – Mary Velasco Sellen Senior Center
Whittney Williams – Pinnacle Quilters of SBC
Kim Johnson – R.E.A.C.H. San Benito Parks Foundation
David Baumgartner & Timothy Slater – Rotary Hollister
Michael Reid – Rotary San Juan Bautista
Christina Navarro – Salvation Army
Jonell Casada – San Benito Arts Council
Bill Lee – San Benito County Business Council
Manny Bhandal – San Benito County Chamber foundation
Maria Ruiz – San Benito County Chamber of Commerce
Ed Franks & Will Schneider – San Benito County Historical Society
Arthur Testani & Dr. Laura Stampleman – San Benito Health foundation
Mishel Thomas – San Benito Leadership Institute
Toni Smith – San Benito Stage Company
Sarah Morris Griss – Spirit of San Juan Bautista
Lydia Sanders – Sun Street Centers
Samantha Rodriquez – United for San Benito
Teresa Garcia – YMCA of San Benito county
Lizett Rodriguez Peña – Youth Alliance
Youth Recovery Connections Staff – Youth Recovery Connections
The Honorable Omar Rodriguez – County of San Benito, Superior Court of California
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