Nominations are open through Aug. 20 for Celebrate Philanthropy 2025, and community members are encouraged to submit the names of individuals, couples or families who contribute significantly of their time, treasure or talent for the good of the Santa Maria Valley.
Celebrate Philanthropy honors Santa Maria Valley residents who, through direct service or financial support, have demonstrated outstanding civic and charitable work to make the valley a better place.
The Santa Barbara Foundation is an organizing sponsor and, with an independent committee, coordinates the nominations process.
Nominations for the 2025 Celebrate Philanthropy program may be submitted at SBFoundation.org/CPAwards.
The Celebrate Philanthropy awards luncheon will be an in-person event, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6 at the Santa Maria Country Club, 505 W. Waller Lane. Luncheon tickets go on sale in mid-September.
In 2024, Celebrate Philanthropy honored Suzanne Levy, and Patrick and Dana Cusack/The Cusack Family.
Levy is a dedicated community leader whose service in the Santa Maria Valley spans education, the arts, and advocacy for vulnerable populations.
She has championed the needs of young children, foster youth, and older adults, while also advancing theater in the region.
Levy’s commitment to education is reflected in her service on seven PTA boards; leadership of the North County Math Super Bowl; tenure as president of the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum Board; and her support for school-based theater and PCPA.
Levy also serves as a trustee for Allan Hancock College.
Beyond education, Levy has contributed her time and talents to numerous nonprofit organizations, including Awakening Giantz.
She currently serves on the capital campaign committee for the OASIS Center in Orcutt, and is active with the Santa Barbara County Commission for Women.
The Cusack Family has deep roots in the Santa Maria Valley, and a longstanding commitment to community health and well-being.
Led by Patrick “Pat” and Dana Cusack, the family supports Marian Regional Medical Center and Arroyo Grande Community Hospital through philanthropic giving and active involvement in fundraising events and initiatives.
They dedicate their time to local nonprofits through hands-on volunteer work. Among their contributions, the Cusacks were early supporters of Marian’s OB/GYN Residency Program Clinic, helping expand access to women’s healthcare services on the Central Coast.
An independent committee representing Santa Maria Valley’s diverse communities will choose the 2025 Celebrate Philanthropy honorees.
The Santa Barbara Foundation is grateful for the support of its sponsors.
Individuals or organizations interested in sponsoring the 2025 Celebrate Philanthropy awards and events may contact Kevin Kuga, KKuga@SBFoundation.org or call 805-963-1873.
Learn more about Celebrate Philanthropy at SBFoundation.org/CPAwards.
The Santa Barbara Foundation’s mission is to mobilize collective wisdom and philanthropic capital to build empathetic, inclusive and resilient communities.
Nearly every Santa Barbara County nonprofit organization and essential community project has been supported by the foundation during its 95-year history.