Suzanne Levy and Patrick and Dana Cusack/The Cusack Family have been named honorees for the 17th Annual Celebrate Philanthropy program for their dedicated and impactful service to the Santa Maria Valley.
Selected by an independent committee from nominations submitted by community members, Suzanne Levy and The Cusack Family will be honored at a celebration luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 7, from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Santa Maria Country Club, 505 West Waller Lane in Santa Maria. Organizing Sponsor is the Santa Barbara Foundation, and Gold Sponsor is the Santa Maria Times.
Tickets are available now for $40 each and may be purchased online here. Tables for eight may be purchased for $320.
Celebrate Philanthropy recognizes individuals, couples, or families who have demonstrated exceptional civic or charitable contributions, either through direct service or financial support, making Santa Maria Valley a better place to live. Any community member may nominate, and nominations were open from July 11-Aug. 21.
“We are so honored to serve as organizing sponsor for Celebrate Philanthropy to join the community in this long-standing program to recognize and inspire community giving and service in the Santa Maria Valley,” explained Jackie Carrera, SBF president and CEO.
“This year’s honorees’ contribute so much to the health, well-being, education, creativity, growth, stability and strengthening of all who live here, literally, from birth through school years and from young adults and new parents to older adults.”
Suzanne Levy
“Suzanne Levy’s community service in the Santa Maria Valley addresses the needs of young children, foster youth, and older adults, and advances theater in the community,” said Michelle Southwick, executive director of OASIS. “Suzanne has been involved throughout the years as a leader, active community volunteer and a financial supporter of many organizations.”
As a mother of five, Levy’s community involvement stemmed from the desire to support the organizations that impacted her children. Her contributions to education include serving on seven different PTA boards, as leader and organizer of the North County Math Super Bowl, president of the board of Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum, supporting school-based theater and PCPA, and currently, as a trustee for Allan Hancock College.
In addition to her work in education, Levy has served on boards and volunteered with numerous nonprofit organizations in the Santa Maria Valley. She currently holds the position of board president for Awakening Giantz, an organization dedicated to supporting transitional-age youth, youth aging out of the foster care system.
Additionally, Levy serves on the capital campaign committee for the OASIS Center in Orcutt and works with the Santa Barbara County Commission for Women.
Fred Carbone, an OASIS Center board member, emphasizes her dedication to causes she is passionate about. “Her commitment to building a new Senior Center in Orcutt inspires others to step up and help. Her contribution of time, talent, and treasure are what philanthropy is all about.”
Patrick (Pat) and Dana Cusack / The Cusack Family
The Cusack Family has deep roots in their community and a long history of philanthropic work. Led by Patrick (Pat) and Dana Cusack, the family is dedicated to the health and well-being of the Santa Maria community.
“The entire Cusack Family is very involved and supportive of Marian Regional Medical Center and Arroyo Grande Community Hospital,” noted Jessa Brooks, vice president of philanthropy at Marian Regional Medical Center.
“The family supports fundraising events, campaigns, and annual giving initiatives at the hospitals, [and] gives generously by volunteering their time at local community nonprofits.”
Early supporters of Marian Regional Medical Center’s project to build a new OB/GYN Residency Program Clinic, the Cusacks made a transformative and generous contribution, ensuring the construction of the standalone clinic and the ongoing training of OB/GYN residents.
The clinic’s training program will equip physicians to provide essential prenatal, perinatal, postpartum, and women’s healthcare services, benefiting thousands of Central Coast residents, including those from diverse and medically vulnerable populations.
This donation was made in honor of Pat’s parents, Dr. James and Maureen Cusack. Dr Cusack, a longtime and respected local OB/GYN, played a pivotal role in Marian’s Birthing Center and the development of the residency program.
Additionally, Pat, Dana and their family support several community efforts in Santa Maria Valley focused on youth and athletics, including St. Joseph High School, 17Strong, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Camp Arroyo Grande, St. Patrick’s Catholic School, and 5Cities Homeless Coalition, where Pat currently serves as a board member.
Brooks added, “They are committed to seeing Santa Maria thrive for future generations,”
In 2023, Celebrate Philanthropy honored The DeBrum Family and Mario A. Juarez, for their extensive volunteering for local nonprofits, career 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 the Santa Maria Times, Allan Hancock College and Community Bank of Santa Maria.
Individuals or organizations interested in sponsoring the 2024 Celebrate Philanthropy luncheon may reach out to Kevin Kuga, Business Development Manager, at KKuga@SBFoundation.org or by calling (805) 963-1873.
About Santa Barbara Foundation
The Santa Barbara Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life throughout Santa Barbara County for all who live, work, play and visit here. Working in partnership with individuals, community organizations, nonprofits and government, the Foundation strives to address local communities’ most challenging needs. Recognizing that its work depends on the strength of the social sector, the Foundation is committed to the health and vitality of local nonprofits. Nearly every Santa Barbara County nonprofit organization and essential community project has been supported by the Foundation during its 95-year history. The Foundation connects philanthropists, experts in areas of challenge, and our community members facing challenges – and all who dream of stronger communities. To learn more, please visit SBFoundation.org.