The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties Chapter has named the honorees for this year’s National Philanthropy Day Celebration, 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4 at Oxnard Levity Live.
National Philanthropy Day, introduced locally in 1987, is an occasion to acknowledge the transformative power of giving and to celebrate the exceptional individuals whose generosity and service have made a lasting impact in our community, AFP said.
2025 National Philanthropy Day Honorees are:
• Philanthropist of the Year: Santa Barbara – Sarah Berkus Gower
• Philanthropist of the Year: Ventura County – Ojai Women’s Fund
• Volunteer of the Year: Santa Barbara — Dan Lillard
• Volunteer of the Year: Ventura County – Madhu Bajaj
• Professional Fundraiser of the Year – Lauren Trujillo, Santa Barbara Public Library Foundation
• Youth in Philanthropy – Youth Arts Leadership Academy (YALA), TOArts
• Champion for Social Justice – Nyeland Promis
Presenting sponsor for the event is the Santa Barbara Foundation. Other sponsors include PNC Bank and Fielding Graduate University.
“National Philanthropy Day is more than a celebration, it is a reminder of the extraordinary ways generosity shapes our community,” said Elena Nicklasson, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties Chapter Board president. “This year’s honorees embody the very best of what it means to give: they lift others, strengthen organizations, and ignite lasting change.
“By recognizing their leadership, we honor their impact and also the spirit of philanthropy that calls each of us to contribute to a better, more vibrant future.
Sponsorship opportunities and tickets are available here.