Kate Ferguson and Mike and Tricia Bouquet have been named honorees for the 17th Annual Celebrate Philanthropy awards.
The awardees were announced by Organizing Sponsor the Santa Barbara Foundation (SBF) and Gold Sponsor the Santa Maria Times.
Selected by an independent committee from nominations submitted by community members, Ferguson and the Bouquets will be lauded at a celebration luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6 at the Santa Maria Country Club, 505 W. Waller Lane, Orcutt.
Tickets are available now for $50 each and may be purchased online at SBFoundation.org/CPAwards. Tables for eight may be purchased for $400.
Celebrate Philanthropy recognizes individuals, couples or families who have demonstrated exceptional civic or charitable contributions, either through direct service or financial support, making the Santa Maria Valley a better place to live.
Any community member may nominate. Nominations were open this year, July 13-Aug. 20.
“We are honored to serve as organizing sponsor for the 17th year of Celebrate Philanthropy and proud to join the community to recognize the generosity and service that make the Santa Maria Valley such a wonderful place to live,” said Jackie Carrera, SBF president/CEO.
“Mike, Tricia and Kate contribute so much to the health and education of our community,” Carrera said. “From ensuring children have what they need to succeed in school to supporting critical healthcare services, wellness programs and veterans, their dedication strengthens families, uplifts our neighbors in need, and inspires future generations across the Santa Maria Valley.”
“Kate Ferguson exemplifies the spirit of philanthropy through her unwavering commitment to addressing our community’s most pressing needs,” said Erika Weber, executive director of the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center. “Her giving extends far beyond financial contributions; she invests her time, energy and heart into causes that transform lives across the Santa Maria Valley.”
As care committee chair for the Rotary Club of Santa Maria Breakfast, Ferguson leads support for community members in crisis, coordinating volunteers and resources for families facing medical emergencies, natural disasters and financial hardship.
Her focus on education includes supporting Shoes for Students to ensure children have proper footwear for school.
She invests in health and wellness through the Santa Maria Valley YMCA and the local blood bank, and champions community safety and mental health by supporting Human Trafficking Awareness efforts and CALM.
Ferguson also supports CASA of Santa Barbara County, advocating for children in need; and Women’s Veterans Services, addressing the unique challenges faced by female veterans.
Through the Veterans Stand Down event, Ferguson helps bring comprehensive services together for homeless veterans, while her support of Cuyama Kids creates educational and recreational opportunities for underserved rural communities.
“Kate’s philanthropy is thoughtful, consistent, and transformative,” Weber said. “She addresses immediate needs while tackling root causes — and inspires others to join her.”
Mike and Tricia Bouquet have been long-time community members and supporters of nonprofit, educational and faith-based organizations throughout the Santa Maria Valley. Their service and leadership have impacted health care, youth programs, education, athletics and community well-being across the region.
“Mike and Tricia Bouquet are pillars of the Santa Maria community, in spirit, service and generosity,” said Shannon Seifert, CEO of the Santa Maria Valley YMCA. “They weave compassion into daily life, and their influence is truly multi-generational.”
Tricia was a founding board member of Hats for Hope, previously served as a CASA advocate, and continues to volunteer every other week at St. Louis De Montfort Church.
She has organized community service efforts at St. Joseph High School, and, for more than 10 years, has co-led an annual holiday fundraiser for the Orcutt Union School District, supporting hundreds of local families.
Currently, Mike is an owner of Toyota Santa Maria, Honda Santa Maria, Toyota Lompoc, Toyota San Luis Obispo and Kia Santa Maria.
His community leadership accolades include serving as president of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber Board, chairing the Marian Regional Medical Center Community Board, and long-time service on the St. Joseph High School Advisory Board and the REACH Board.
Both Mike and Tricia graduated from St. Joseph High School in Santa Maria. Tricia is a retired CPA, who earned a bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary’s College of California.
Mike is a CPA, graduated from California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo, and earned a master’s degree in taxation from USC.
He worked as a Certified Public Accountant with Deloitte & Touche before returning to Santa Maria in 1995.
“Not only have the Bouquets been incredibly charitable with monetary gifts to Marian Regional Medical Center, but they also give considerable time through their community service, board volunteerism, and by graciously connecting the hospital with others to support via new partnerships and collaborative opportunities,” said Jessa Brooks, vice president of philanthropy, Marian Regional Medical Center.
In 2024, Celebrate Philanthropy honored The Cusack Family and Suzanne Levy for their extensive volunteering for local nonprofits, leadership in community service, and financial contributions to enhance life in the Santa Maria Valley.
As Organizing Sponsor of Celebrate Philanthropy, the Santa Barbara Foundation is grateful for the support of sponsors Allan Hancock College, the Santa Maria Times, Kirk & Simas, and Community Bank of Santa Maria.
Individuals or organizations interested in sponsoring the 2025 Celebrate Philanthropy luncheon may contact Susie Willett, director of development, at SWillett@SBFoundation.org, or call 805-880-9352.
Founded in 1928, the Santa Barbara Foundation connects donors, nonprofits, government, businesses, and the people of Santa Barbara County to take on the region’s communities’ most challenging needs.
For more, visit SBFoundation.org.