Who makes the Santa Ynez Valley and Los Alamos better simply by giving their time to others?

The Santa Ynez Valley Foundation is inviting the community to answer that question by nominating outstanding volunteers for the 31st annual Champions of the Valley.

Champions of the Valley is a community tradition that honors volunteers whose generosity, dedication and compassion uplift the lives of others and strengthen the Santa Ynez Valley and Los Alamos.

Community members are invited to nominate outstanding volunteers for both the Champion and Youth Champion awards through July 27.

Nomination forms and complete program information are available at www.syValleyFoundation.org/Champions.
 
Award recipients will be selected by a committee of past honorees and Santa Ynez Valley Foundation board members and announced in late August. They will be recognized at the 31st annual Champions of the Valley celebration on Sunday, Oct. 11, at Camp Carmina in Los Olivos.
 
“Champions of the Valley recognizes the volunteers whose time, talent and heart make our communities extraordinary places to live, work and serve,” said Esther Jacobsen Bates, executive director of the Santa Ynez Valley Foundation.

“For more than three decades, we have had the privilege of honoring individuals whose selfless service enriches the lives of others and reflects the very best of our valleys,” she said.

Each adult champion will receive a $1,000 grant from the Santa Ynez Valley Foundation to direct to the nonprofit organization of their choice, extending the impact of their volunteer service.

Youth champions, students in grades 9-12, will receive a $1,000 scholarship to support their educational goals.

The foundation also invites local businesses, organizations and individuals to support the celebration as event sponsors. Their generosity helps make the longstanding community tradition possible while demonstrating a shared commitment to celebrating volunteerism and strengthening our communities, organizers said.

To nominate a volunteer, become an event sponsor or learn more, visit www.syValleyFoundation.org/Champions, email admin@syValleyFoundation.org, or call 805-688-2991.