Longtime organizing sponsor Santa Barbara Foundation (SBF) is calling for nominations for the 83rd Annual Person of the Year awards.
SBF invites community members to nominate an individual, couple or family to receive this year’s honor in recognition of their exceptional service to the community in the Santa Barbara area.
Nominations are open for submission now through Feb. 18, and may be made online at www.SBFoundation.org/Person-Of-The-Year-Nominations.
Considered one of the Santa Barbara area’s most prestigious awards, Person of the Year honors individuals, couples or families whose extraordinary volunteer service represents a meaningful and lasting commitment to the community, SBF said.
The award celebrates those who address community needs, enhance the quality of life, and demonstrate exemplary acts of generosity, kindness or innovation.
Recipients are chosen from a range of candidates nominated by community members.
“Person of the Year is one of the best ways to begin a new year,” said Jackie Carrera, president/CEO of the foundation. “It allows the community to recognize remarkable individuals who help improve life throughout the Santa Barbara area.
“As we enter the 83rd year of this special event, I continue to be astounded by the meaningful contributions our nominees make to our community.”
Honorees for the 83rd Person of the Year will be announced in March and awarded at a luncheon April 29 at Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort Rotunda.
For more about Person of the Year, visit SBFoundation.org/PYAwards.
Recent honorees include 82nd Persons of the Year Carrie Towbes and George Burtness, 81st Persons of the Year Jim Morouse and Peter Schuyler, and 80th Persons of the Year Elisabeth Fowler and Joe Howell.
Formerly known as the Man and Woman of the Year award until 2020, the event has been hosted for more than 80 years. The inaugural Man and Woman of the Year awardees were Harold Chase in 1942 and Pearl Chase in 1956.
The Santa Barbara Foundation is grateful for the support of Legacy Sponsor Montecito Bank & Trust and Premier Media Sponsor Noozhawk.
Organizations or individuals interested in becoming a sponsor for the 83rd Person of the Year awards can contact Susie Willett, swillett@sbfoundation.org.
Founded in 1928, SBF connects donors, nonprofits, government, businesses, and the people of Santa Barbara County to take on the most challenging needs facing our region’s communities.
Recognizing that its work depends on the strength of the social sector, the foundation is committed to the health and vitality of local nonprofits. For more, visit SBFoundation.org.