The Santa Barbara Foundation, along with co-sponsors Montecito Bank & Trust, Noozhawk, The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara, Cox Communications and Montecito Journal, invites community members to nominate an individual, couple or family for the 2022 Person of the Year Award. Nomination deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, July 15.

The award honors a volunteer whose service represents a meaningful commitment to the community; addresses a real community need or enhances the quality of life in the Santa Barbara area; or has involved acts of generosity, kindness, or innovation, with an emphasis on the recent accomplishments and achievements.

“During this time of unrest and uncertainty due to COVID, and other concerns based on inflation, societal unrest, and global turmoil, it is such an honor to be able to focus on the positive philanthropic achievements of those in our Santa Barbara area, many who have been quietly doing this work for decades,” said Jordan Killebrew, Santa Barbara Foundation communications director.

“While we particularly recognize the winners of the Person of the Year Awards, we also wish to acknowledge the many outstanding unsung heroes who volunteer their time, energy, and financial support to ensure that noteworthy causes in our communities are sustained and thriving,” Killebrew said.

For 79 years, the annual Person of the Year Awards (formerly Man & Woman of the Year) has spotlighted those who have gone above and beyond for Santa Barbara communities as role models and ambassadors for their causes. The Santa Barbara Foundation believes these individuals serve as an inspiration to others, including a new generation of volunteers.

The Santa Barbara Foundation also emphasizes that the award selection process is comprehensive and thorough. After all nominations are received on Friday, July 15, there will be a deliberation period of all applications by a pre-selection committee known as the Collaboration for Social Impact Advisory Board (consisting of nonprofit leaders in Santa Barbara County).

The committee will then provide their top preferences to the selection committee, comprised of former recipients of the Person of the Year Award who will determine the next award recipients.

Last year the Santa Barbara Foundation, along with co-sponsors, Montecito Bank & Trust, Noozhawk, The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara, Merryl Brown Events, and Bryant & Sons, LTD, honored community members John Daly and Judy Stapelmann, who have contributed to the betterment of the Santa Barbara area.

“Volunteering is a gift when I can see the changes (it enables),” said Daly upon receiving his award. “It’s opened up my entire world.”

“I try to be an example and to work on the causes I believe in,” Stapelmann said with regards what motivates her volunteerism.

Additional past honorees include Jelinda DeVorzon, David Boyd, Catherine Remak, Tom Parker, Michael and Marni Cooney, Ernesto Paredes, Joni Meisel, Janet Garufis, and Jon Clark.

The 79th Person of the Year Luncheon will be held Sept. 21.

For more about the nomination process, and about the Santa Barbara Foundation visit www.SBFoundation.org.