[Noozhawk’s note: One in a series on the Santa Ynez Valley Foundation’s 2024 Champions of the Valley who will be honored for their volunteerism and community service Oct. 13 at Rancho Carmina in Los Olivos. Click here for more information, or click here to purchase tickets online.]
Dr. Ann Foxworthy Lewellen’s journey from academia to becoming a pivotal figure in the Santa Ynez Valley’s cultural and educational landscape is a testament to the power of vision, perseverance and community spirit.
Her story begins with her trailblazing career in higher education.
As the first woman president of Allan Hancock College, she served for 13 years, leaving an indelible mark on the Santa Maria institution and the community it serves.
During her tenure, she spearheaded the formation of the Allan Hancock College Foundation community board, orchestrating capital campaigns that raised anywhere from $90,000 to an impressive $4 million.
But it was after her retirement in 2005 that Ann’s impact on the Santa Ynez Valley truly began to take shape.
Settling in the valley with her late husband, Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge Royce Lewellen, she immersed herself in community activities, becoming a driving force behind numerous nonprofit organizations.
One of her most significant contributions came in the form of leadership for the Solvang Theaterfest.
A cherished community asset since its construction in 1974, the Solvang Festival Theater was in dire need of maintenance and modernization by 2020.
Enter Ann, who, as board vice president of Solvang Theaterfest, took on the monumental task of chairing the Imagine! capital campaign.
The campaign’s goal was ambitious: raise $4.7 million to renovate, repair and upgrade the aging facility.
Many thought it impossible, especially in a small community like the Santa Ynez Valley. But Ann was undeterred. Drawing on her extensive experience in fundraising and her deep-rooted belief in the power of community, she led the charge.
The timing couldn’t have been more challenging. Launched just as the COVID-19 pandemic began to sweep across the globe, the campaign faced unprecedented obstacles.
But Ann’s leadership style, characterized by persistence, patience and optimism, proved to be the catalyst for success.
Against all odds, the campaign not only met but exceeded its goals, raising a staggering $5.1 million. The renovated Solvang Festival Theater now stands as a testament to Ann’s vision and the community’s collective spirit.
“Ann’s commitment and unwavering positive attitude have not only revitalized our beloved Solvang Festival Theater but have also inspired our entire community to unite for a common cause,” said Esther Jacobsen Bates, executive director of the Santa Ynez Valley Foundation, which will honor her as a 2024 Champion of the Valley on Oct. 13.
“Her enthusiasm and leadership demonstrated that, with passion and perseverance, remarkable things can be achieved. The foundation is proud to have provided funds to support the theater project and to honor Ann for her tireless efforts.”
But Ann’s impact extends far beyond the theater. Her philanthropic footprint can be seen across the Santa Ynez Valley and beyond.
She co-chaired Marian Regional Medical Center’s $17 million capital campaign in Santa Maria, demonstrating her commitment to health care accessibility.
In the valley, she joined the board of the California Nature Art Museum (formerly the Wildling Museum), playing a crucial role in its capital campaign to establish an art gallery in Los Olivos.
What sets Ann apart is not just the scale of her achievements, but the philosophy that drives her.
She believes that playing a role in community improvement and helping others brings with it a strong personal reward and sense of satisfaction.
For her, philanthropy is not just about writing checks; it’s about building relationships, fostering community connections and creating a sense of belonging.Ann’s approach to community service is holistic and far-reaching.
Even after retiring from the Solvang Theaterfest board, she continues her community support as an active member of the Los Olivos Rotary Club. Her involvement spans various sectors — from education and health care to arts and culture — creating a web of positive influence that touches nearly every aspect of life in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Ann’s husband, Royce, who died in 2020, was himself a pillar of the community, co-founding Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards and serving as a founding director of both the PCPA Foundation and the Solvang Festival Theater.
Ann has not only carried on his legacy but has expanded upon it, creating her own unique imprint on the valley’s cultural landscape. Her story is not just one of personal accomplishment, but a blueprint for how individuals can effect meaningful change in their communities.
Champions of the Valley
Since 1995, the Santa Ynez Valley Foundation has been honoring exceptional local volunteers whose tireless community commitment enriches the Santa Ynez Valley and Los Alamos, their residents and a wide range of local organizations.
This year’s Champions of the Valley honorees are Charlotte Dicke Becerra, Dave Bemis, Donna Hinsbeeck, Ann Foxworthy Lewellen, and Debra and Brad Vidro.
Youth Community Champions are Lizbeth Ortiz Aguilera, Rafael Beleski and Emma Tesdahl.
Sherry Musgrove will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award and the late David Crosby will be honored with the Stuart C. Gildred Senior Visionary Award.
The awards will be presented at 4 p.m. Oct. 13 at Rancho Carmina in Los Olivos. Click here for more information, or click here to purchase tickets online.
The Champions of the Valley celebration is sponsored by U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, the Ann Jackson Family Foundation, Noozhawk, The Landsby, Allan Hancock College, Visit the Santa Ynez Valley and Montecito Bank & Trust.
The honorees were chosen by a panel of foundation board members and former honorees, based on nominations made by the community.
The honorees each receive a $1,000 grant to support a nonprofit organization of their choice. The Youth Community Champions each receive a $1,000 scholarship to further their education.
Santa Ynez Valley Foundation
The Santa Ynez Valley Foundation is dedicated to a mission centered around grant-making, extending financial support and resources to a diverse array of local organizations and initiatives in the Santa Ynez and Los Alamos valleys.
The grants are strategically channeled into key sectors, including health and human services, support for seniors, arts and culture, youth development, and education.
The foundation also administers a robust College Scholarship Program designed to empower ambitious college-bound local students.
More than 60 students are beneficiaries of this program, receiving scholarships to facilitate their pursuit of higher education and, in turn, contributing to the overall advancement of the community.
