San Benito nonprofits gathered to celebrate local honorees at a National Philanthropy Day event on Nov. 14 at San Juan Oaks. The evening award dinner was hosted by the Community Foundation for San Benito County.
Around 40 nonprofits recognized individuals and groups in the community, with a theme centered around youth. Youth Alliance Executive Director Diane Ortiz gave a keynote speech centered around youth access to mental and behavioral health services in San Benito County.
The honorees are as follows:
Wayne Norton (Aromas Eagles Aerie 72)
Laurie Tholen (Aromas Hills Artisans)
Aidan Castañeda (Aromas-San Juan Community Schools Foundation, San Juan Home & School Club)
Graniterock (Aromas-San Juan Unified School District)
Ella Pascua (Baler Education Foundation)
Blaire Justyne Strohn (BenitoLink)
Sue Mota Redmond (CASA of San Benito County)
Interact Club San Benito High School (Chamberlain’s Youth Services)
Xavier Guaracha (City of San Juan Bautista)
Tonia Sunseri (Community Action Board)
Kathy Flores (Community Foundation for San Benito County)
Hollister Innovators (Community Solutions)
Nick Di Julio (Fishes and Loaves Ministry)
Rachelle Escamilla (Friends of the SBC Free Library)
Jeanette Campbell (Gavilan Kinship Center)
Shelby O’Neil (Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast)
Dr. M. Aslam Barra (Hazel Hawkins Hospital Foundation)
Lois Itow (Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital & Auxiliary)
Ruth Erickson (Hollister Airmen’s Association)
Marissa Escamilla (Hollister Downtown Association)
Elena & Mike Baldwin (Hollister Exchange Club)
McKenzie Downs (Hollister Pregnancy Center)
Tina Garza (Live Like Geno Foundation)
Riana Gutierrez (LULAC)
Peyton Ferrero (Pinnacle Quilters of San Benito County)
Rosa Apodaca (Saint Francis Retreat)
Emily Renzel (San Benito Agricultural Land Trust)
Stephanie Skow (San Benito County Arts Council)
Jim Gillio (San Benito County Business Council)
Bill Tiffany (San Benito County Free Library)
Katie Silva (San Benito County Historical Society)
Abby Chase & Emily Firstbrook (San Benito Stage Company)
David Avila (San Juan Bautista Library Auxiliary)
Heidi Balz (SJB Community Business Association)
Emily Cezar (Sun Street Centers)
Sylvia Jaime (United Way of San Benito County)
Anne Brooks (Women’s Club of Hollister)
Helen Swanson (YMCA)
Maria Cid (Youth Alliance)