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, the organizing sponsor of the event, coordinates the nominations process along with an independent committee.

Nominations for the 18th Celebrate Philanthropy program may be submitted at SBFoundation.org/CPAwards through midnight Aug. 20.

The independent committee representing Santa Maria Valley’s diverse communities will choose the 2026 Celebrate Philanthropy honorees.

The Celebrate Philanthropy luncheon will be Thursday, Nov. 5 at the Santa Maria Country Club, 505 West Waller Lane. Luncheon tickets will go on sale in mid-September.

The Santa Barbara Foundation said it is grateful for the support of sponsors. Individuals or organizations interested in sponsoring the 2026 Celebrate Philanthropy awards and events, may contact Julia Kelly at JKelly@SBFoundation.org, or call 805-880-9384.

Kate Ferguson and Mike and Tricia Bouquet were last year’s Celebrate Philanthropy honorees. 

Ferguson has dedicated her leadership and compassion to improving lives in 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.

The Bouquets 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.

For more about Santa Barbara Foundation, visit SBFoundation.org.