CommUnify held its 20th Annual Champions Dinner & Awards on June 5 at Hotel Corque, in the Craft House Restaurant ballroom in Solvang, raising $279,775 to support programs in CommUnify’s Family & Youth Services division.
Funded by more than 50 sponsors, the sold-out event hosted some 200 guests from Santa Barbara County, including community leaders, business owners, and nonprofits.
A short video that features local children and highlights CommUnify’s work with youth was shown in between the night’s live auction and paddle raise and can be seen here.
The Champions Dinner recognizes individuals, nonprofit groups, and businesses whose dedication to the well-being of residents countywide has made the community a better place, organizers said.
The 2026 honorees were:
The Hutton Parker Foundation – presented by Jackie Carrera, CEO, Santa Barbara Foundation.
People Helping People (PHP) – presented by Veronica Sandoval, chief Tribal Operations & Communications officer, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.
Edwin Weaver, CEO of Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley, – presented by Santa Maria Mayor Alice Patino.
The three honorees and their organizations support paths to success for the youth in the local community.
For more about CommUnify’s programs and services, visit www.CommUnifySB.org.