VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Taylor's efforts have been very important to the families who have children being treated at our hospital. The funds he's raised go towards various programs we have at our hospital especially during the holidays. He donates toys along with pivotal funds during the holidays to help make the holidays better for the families at the hospital. Taylor was also nominated by the Max Relief Foundation.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Steve joined Rotary in 1991, when his father and longtime Rotarian, Ron, sponsored Steve for membership. Since that time, Steve has supported Rotary fund-raisers such as the July 4 Pancake Breakfast, the Rotary Peach Cobbler Booth at the city's annual Cowboy Festival, the fund-raising for the Downtown Newhall Clock, and the Veteran's Food Packaging Event while also serving a Club Service Chair, Secretary, and President. He is also a member of the Newhall Rotary Community Foundation board, and is a member of Rotary International's Paul Harris Society. He has lent his culinary expertise to Rotary events such as serving as co-chair of the January SCV Rotary Charity Chili Cook-Off.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Shelby and Hank's Legacy Foundation is committed to the health, welfare, and rehabilitation of animals through education, shelter, adoption, and community outreach. Shelby pulls animals (mostly dogs and cats) from shelters, and takes in animals that are suffering from neglect, and/or abusive situations. Shelby and her network of fosters help to rehabilitate these animals medically, socially, and behaviorally to get them ready for a new, forever home. She carefully attempts to find the best family match for each animal.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Alex joined WiSH as a committee member several years ago and followed that by becoming an active board member; he joined to make an impact and doesn’t shy away from raising his hand. He is active. He works quickly and meets the goals he volunteers for, whether that is as Chair of a committee or one its soldiers. Asking Alex for assistance means there is no micro-managing. The job is done. He learns how to do nearly everything, saving time and money for our nonprofit. His community contacts are invaluable to our bottom line. His warm demeanor isn’t just a personality trait; it keeps our meetings level, professional, calm and collaborative. He not only handles social media and marketing for us, but he sits on nearly every committee, making him impossible to replace; he is the ultimate board member. He is well liked and respected by every member of our board, and brings a wealth of experience with him, which he uses to WiSH advantage constantly. We all know Alex; what he does for our community both personally and professionally is unmatched; he deserves to be rewarded for that! It should be noted that as Associate Publisher of Santa Clarita Magazine, Alex supports all nonprofits in the SCV by giving their events wide exposure throughout the marketing period, free of charge – that alone has amazing impact! Alex was also nominated by Circle of Hope and JCI.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Randy has been on the College of the Canyons Foundation Board of Directors for over 12 years. He has served as Board Chair, and is an active member on a number of committees. Randy is always willing to jump into campaigns and events whenever needed, and he's only a phone call away when anyone has a question. He has served on the Finance and Executive Committees for many years, and therefore has an intense knowledge of the inner workings of the Foundation, which makes him the go-to person for many things. Randy is also nominated by the VIA Education Foundation

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Dennis Verner's profound impact on the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley is exemplified through his pivotal role, along with his wife Pamela, in resurrecting the annual auction in 2022 after a two-year hiatus. Displaying unwavering commitment, he volunteered to chair the event, showcasing his dedication to the community and the Club's mission. Dennis brought a blend of organizational acumen, creativity, and a passion for excellence to the forefront, revitalizing the auction into the key Santa Clarita event it’s been known as for over 50 years. His innovative approach extended beyond logistics, incorporating strategic marketing that engaged new supporters for the Boys & Girls Club. Under his leadership he enhanced the commitment to quality, elevating the event to new heights. The event's success for two consecutive years underscores Dennis's ability to not only revive but also elevate community participation and financial contributions, significantly contributing critical funds to the Club's youth development programs. As the cochair for the past two years, Dennis is currently orchestrating another spectacular auction for 2024. His passion for the event is contagious. His continued dedication ensures the sustained success and growth of this significant community event, further solidifying the Boys & Girls Club's positive impact on Santa Clarita Valley's youth.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Pamela Verner is a dedicated advocate for youth development, leaving a profound impact on the Boys & Girls Club. Beginning with volunteer roles at the Festival of Trees in 2005 and 2006, she played a vital part in the success of the Magic of Lights Gala and Kids Corner. In 2022, Pamela assumed the pivotal role of Auction Chair, reinstating the event to an in-person format after a two-year hiatus alongside her husband Dennis. Her collaborative leadership not only revitalized the Auction but also fostered community engagement and support for the Boys & Girls Club mission, evident in her co-chairing the event again in 2023 and for a third time in 2024. Simultaneously, Pamela holds significant positions on the Board of Directors, currently serving as Secretary and the Advisory Board Chair. Her multifaceted involvement reflects a profound passion for inspiring and enabling youth. Additionally, Pamela actively connects people to the Club through the Great Futures Tours, exemplifying her commitment to expanding the Club's reach and impact. Her dynamic and dedicated approach leaves a lasting imprint on the community, emphasizing the indispensable role of the Boys & Girls Club in shaping the lives of the youth it serves.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Mitzi has served on our Foundation Board for 15 years and brings passion as well as her time, talent and treasure to us. During her role as our Foundation Chair, Mitzi‘s leadership and her philanthropic dedication to our hospital showed in the additional responsibilities she enthusiastically took on. She co-chaired the 40th Anniversary Gala of Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital and was the chairperson for the Corporate Partners Committee. Mitzi helped build and foster relationships between the hospital and the business community, always leading by example. Her insight and commitment is so valued that she was asked to also serve on our Governing Board of the Hospital, which focuses on policy, procedures and operations. Mitzi fosters a culture of philanthropy at LBW, which encourages staff to get involved in the community, and she and Randy have personally supported many non profit organizations as well as their Temple throughout the years. For their community service, they were awarded the prestigious Silver Spur last year by COC. Mitzi was also nominated by the College of the Canyons Foundation.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Julie has been a champion for Fostering Youth Independence (FYI) since she became a volunteer Ally in May of 2019. As she worked one-on-one with the foster youth to whom she was assigned, she developed a passion for FYI’s mission to equip foster youth to complete a post-secondary education and become successful, independent adults. With her expertise in marketing and public relations, Julie has been instrumental in raising community awareness of the organization and the plight of youth aging out of the foster care system without adult support. Since joining FYI’s advisory council in September of 2019 and board of directors in 2020, Julie has created a communications strategy, written countless press releases and articles, and crafted informational flyers, educating Santa Claritans about the life-changing programs and services FYI offers to our youth. Thanks to Julie’s advocacy, FYI has recruited the volunteers and raised the funds necessary to sustain the organization, which was especially critical during the pandemic. Most recently, Julie provided invaluable input into the redesign of FYI’s website. Julie continues to serve as an Ally, building a relationship with her youth by patiently guiding and mentoring her and providing enriching activities. Julie also serves as FYI’s board secretary.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Steve has been making an impact at Fostering Youth Independence (FYI) ever since he volunteered to help set up for an FYI back-to-school event in August 2020. He was eager to learn all he could about the organization and quickly became a volunteer Ally to a foster youth. Steve has since developed an amazing relationship with his youth, encouraging and guiding him through a change in foster homes and a number of challenges. Steve has connected with many other FYI youth and encouraged them as well! A CPA, Steve volunteers at FYI’s tax return prep sessions and has also provided financial counseling for several youth. For the past three years, Steve and his wife, Gena, have put on an incredible “Friendsgiving” feast, purchasing, cooking and serving a delicious Thanksgiving dinner to over 50 FYI youth! What is remarkable about Steve is his infectious enthusiasm for FYI’s mission; he has seen firsthand the difference FYI is making and tells as many people as possible. Recently, Steve has been attending FYI’s new Ally training sessions, sharing his experience and inspiring others to volunteer. Steve joined FYI’s board of directors in October 2021 and has served as board chairman since August 2022.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Kim Kurowski, as the dedicated Dream it Be It Board Liaison, plays a pivotal role in empowering young girls in the William S. Hart School District. Kim attends conferences at all high schools and one junior high, providing essential career support. Her commitment is evident as she arrives early for set-up, ensuring each session begins with a welcoming atmosphere, complete with breakfast and balloons for every participant. Beyond Dream it Be It, Kim serves as a Director, orchestrating social events that keep our members well-informed about supported activities and nonprofits. With an impressive 16 years of Soroptimist knowledge, Kim's wealth of experience extends to mentoring the President and fellow board members, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. Kim Kurowski's multifaceted contributions extend beyond the Dream it Be It program, enriching the Soroptimist International of Greater Santa Clarita Valley. Her dedication to breaking cycles of poverty, violence, and abuse through education and mentorship makes her an exemplary candidate for the Volunteer of the Year Award.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: "In 1987, Mike moved from New Jersey to Santa Clarita with his family. He graduated from California Lutheran University in 1990 with a BS degree in Business Management and raised his son Garrett, as a single father, with the support of his family and friends. Together, they played baseball at Canyon Country Little League for 10 years and were charter members for Boy Scout Troop 2379. In 2011, Mike’s journey to the BOD of SDFHC began after having been introduced to the agency by Ed Bolden, who at the time was on the SDFHC BOD. Like so many in our community, Mike was unable to say no to Mr. Bolden, and volunteered as a member of the BOD. Mike married his wife Jeannette in 2019 and between them they have four children and four grandchildren. Mike, Jeanette, and his close family continue to live in Santa Clarita near each other and feel blessed to be able to do so. They have continued their efforts to give back to the City of Santa Clarita, the community they love, so that others may have the same opportunity."

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: In her roles with the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Santa Clarita Valley, together with her husband, Laura has shared the mission of American Cancer Society, supported survivors, fundraised for research and services, encouraged engagement throughout the community, and represented the vision of our organization with pride. Laura has been part of the Event Leadership Team tasked with the planning and execution of Relay For Life of Santa Clarita Valley which continues to be the largest community fundraising event for the American Cancer Society in Los Angles County. Since it's inception in 1999, volunteers like Laura have enabled the Relay For Life of Santa Clarita Valley to raise more than $8.6M to support the American Cancer Society. Laura and her family hold an annual yard sale at their house, with all proceeds supporting the American Cancer Society, plan multiple community wide events to raise funds, and encourage everyone in her community to get involved. You can usually find Laura out and about in one of many American Cancer Society Relay For Life branded t-shirts and she is always eager to share the mission and work the ACS is doing to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Laura annually makes homemade goods for boutiques throughout the year, also donating all proceeds to ACS. At the annual Relay For Life event in May at Central Park, Laura is our Survivor & Caregiver Committee Co-Chair. Laura pampers our survivors, serve them food, hands out goodie bags with things they may need as a survivor to manage treatment and feel more like themselves. Laura supports survivors by doing their hair, nails, and make-up to make them feel and look their best for our event's Survivor Ceremony as we celebrate them while they walk around the track. Laura is currently organizing a survivor & caregiver dinner event to honor and celebrate cancer survivors and their caregivers. Nationally, in 2023, our Relay For Life event was #3 out of 1068 events, in the number of registered survivors. Each year Laura sets a goal of raising at least $1,000 for the American Cancer Society and she regularly goes above and beyond that milestone. She regularly volunteers to support local community outreach events throughout the year to continuously educate the community about cancer resources available in SCV and prioritize cancer as being a household topic of discussion.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: As part of the Relay For Life of Santa Clarita Valley Event Leadership Team, Brad, along with his wife Laura have helped the American Cancer Society raise over $8.6 million dollars to support its mission of supporting cancer patients and their families and vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Brad has helped keep the Relay For Life of Santa Clarita Valley consistently among the top 20 fundraising Relay For Life events in the nation. Brad cares deeply about the mission of the American Cancer Society and ensures that the goal of supporting cancer patients and their families is is north star. Annually, Brad sets a goal of raising at least $1,000 for the American Cancer Society and regularly surpasses that goal each year. Brad leads many community outreach activations to encourage everyone in Santa Clarita Valley and beyond to get involved with the American Cancer Society events and programs bringing the mission to the community. Brad's main goal is to ensure everyone who leaves an American Cancer Society event has learned something they didn’t know before about cancer prevention, treatment, screenings, early diagnosis and the services provided by the American Cancer Society. Outside of events, you will almost always find Brad dressed in an American Cancer Society Relay For Life t-shirt and he will light up at any chance he has to share the good news about the work the ACS is doing to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. As a member of the California, Guam, Hawaii Division, Brad is a pivotal resource and mentor to volunteers across these three states/territories to ensure the mission of the ACS is heard and understood by all. Brad regularly leads training opportunities and always finds FUN and engaging ways to showcase the importance of cancer prevention and screening to both educate and leave a lasting impression on those young and old about the importance of prioritizing one's health. Brad is also a passionate member of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network which is the legislative branch of the American Cancer Society that advocates for policy change and increased funding for cancer research. Brad regularly writes to his local, state and federal government officials encouraging them to prioritize the political impact they can make on the fight against cancer for everyone. He regularly encourages others to do the same and raise their voice to support the fight against cancer.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: In the 13 years Carolina has been a member of our Board of Directors, she has been instrumental with the continued growth of our services and supporting our mission to provide quality health care, specifically for the underinsured, uninsured and underserved communities of the SCV. During her 13-year involvement, SDFHC secured funding to expand health center operations to six days a week with extended evening hours, we added both Dental and Behavioral Health programs over eight years ago, added third health center in Newhall in 2000, remodeled and expanded our Canyon Country location in 2022 and achieved national certification of our Diabetes Prevention Program by the CDC. Since the establishment of our Val Verde Health Center in 1980, Carolina has been part of our growth that now includes 6 locations throughout the SCV caring for over 8,000 lives and providing over 15,000 visits. We are also in the process of purchasing a suite in Newhall to open up a wellness program, which will be location number seven, offering mental health counseling and support. Carolina currently serves as our Treasurer and can be seen supporting and participating in our fundraising events with her family.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Nicole has passionately, creatively and professionally led the Zonta Club of SCV through extraordinary growth in membership, diversity and projects that connect, support and empower women and children in our community. Under her outstanding leadership, the Zonta Club of SCV has installed two Z Clubs at Canyon and West Ranch High Schools; chartered a Golden Z Club at COC to help empower, support and mentor our future community leaders; held Red Dress Events to raise awareness about domestic violence and share victim resources; hosted Lunafest events and a Women in Film Celebration and Conference; joined the National and California Coalitions to end child marriage; recognized 39 extraordinary SCV women in service; given $75,000 in scholarships, grants and donations to Young Women in Public Affairs; to women in aerospace-related studies; to Virginia Wrage Memorial Fund recipients (career training for women following life-changing events), and to the Bridge-to-Home shelter. Under Nicole’s leadership, the club has also: contributed to the COC Basic Needs Center, to foster youth with holiday gifts, to the Samuel Dixon Family Health Center to comfort children, to domestic violence survivors with backpacks filled with necessities, and to the Newhall Boys and Girls Club girls robotics program.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Laura is involved in our organization as a volunteer helping to raise funds to support the mission of the organization to provide support and services to first responders and veterans suffering from PTSD, depression, mental health issues, addiction and suicide. Laura’s guidance, experience and fundraising knowledge help guide the organization’s efforts to promote awareness in our community of the organization and mental health needs of veterans and first responders, as well as promote and assure the success of our fundraising efforts. Laura is currently helping with our upcoming golf tournament as well as other small community fundraising events. Laura’s experience and expertise in golf tournament fundraising is helping the organization acquire sponsorships, have a strong community partnership and outreach and plan a well-organized fundraising event to ensure a positive guest experience resulting in achieving our fundraising goals. With her help, the organization will meet their fundraising goals which will enable the organization to further serve our clients and make a positive impact for the Santa Clarita community, our first responders and veterans. Exclusively First Responders is very fortunate to have Laura involved with our organization.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Jackie Hartmann has been an inspirational volunteer for the SCV Senior Center for several years. The highlight of Jackie’s work for the Senior Center came into focus when the Senior Center had to close their Banquet Hall in March 2020 and immediately open a “ Meals Drive Thru Service” outside in the parking lot. Jackie spearheaded this project and made it a point to be outside serving food for up to 900 Seniors every day for over two years. Jackie would know the name of the person coming to pick up the food just by the make and model of their car. She has a “Social Workers” heart and would listen to their problems and concerns during the Covid Crisis. This past year, Jackie joined the Board of Directors of the SCV Senior Center and has had an immediate impact. She is spearheading efforts to form a partnership with Carousel Ranch to provide volunteer and work opportunities for people with developmental disabilities at the SCV Senior Center. She also volunteered to Co-Chair Celebrity Waiter for 2024. Jackie was also nominated by Special Olympics Southern California/Santa Clarita

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Since arriving in the Santa Clarita Valley, Jason Gibbs has made an immediate, positive impact on the community. He has donated his time, skills and expertise to dozens of local non-profits through serving on their boards, speaking at their events, volunteering at fundraisers, acting as principal for a day, shopping/donating holiday gifts for teens in need, modeling in fashion shows and even performing trending social media dances in obnoxious holiday sweaters to encourage others to donate to the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign. Jason's contributions to the Salvation Army are multifaceted. He combines his professional skills with a hands-on approach, exemplifying the true spirit of volunteerism. He is an active member of the Fund Development Committee, playing a vital role in the organization's growth and outreach. By offering both strategic guidance and direct, on-the-ground support, Jason has been a key figure in taking this non-profit to new heights. His ability to blend calculated insight with active participation sets a remarkable example of effective community service and leadership.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Ron is deeply entrenched in our organization as a top volunteer, diligently working to bolster our mission of providing essential services and support to first responders and veterans grappling with PTSD, depression, mental health issues, addiction, and suicide. His invaluable guidance, seasoned experience, and adept fundraising prowess steer the organization's endeavors towards raising crucial funds and fostering community awareness about the pressing mental health needs of our heroes. Currently co-spearheading our upcoming golf tournament and other pivotal community fundraising events, Ron's tireless efforts ensure the realization of our fundraising objectives. With Ron's unwavering commitment, we are poised to surpass our fundraising targets, thereby empowering the organization to expand its reach and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our cherished first responders, veterans, their families, and the broader Santa Clarita community.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Leadership is Marc’s greatest contribution as a volunteer. Having served as Superintendent for Newhall School District during his career, his passion for serving children and families remains steadfast in his volunteer life. He takes his role seriously and encourages board members to contribute in many ways – giving of their time, talent and treasure. Most recently under his leadership, the board successfully identified a replacement for retiring CEO, Joan Aschoff. His decades long commitment to Child & Family Center to helping children, teens and families facing mental health challenges, drug and alcohol issues and domestic violence survivors has helped thousands in our community in need of our services. Marc is not only steady at the helm in running the operations of Child & Family Center, but he is also aware of the need to raise donations to support the organization. He supports our fundraising events and seeks 100% board participation. Last year he secured thousands of dollars in sponsorships for our Taste of the Town and Purple Palooza events. As an active and connected community member for almost 50 years, his relationships are critical to helping us fulfill our mission.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Liz Seipel's volunteer impact on the Salvation Army Santa Clarita Valley Corps has been profound, embodying the spirit of compassion and community support. She has dedicated herself to organizing and leading initiatives that directly address the needs of residents in need. Liz's hands-on involvement in developing an Advisory Board for our local Salvation Army Corps resulted in recruiting 12 community volunteers who are now coordinating fundraisers, holiday assistance programs and outreach has significantly enhanced the Salvation Army's ability to serve the local community. Her enduring commitment to alleviating hardships and providing a helping hand has made Liz a cornerstone of the Santa Clarita Valley Corps, embodying the organization's mission to bring hope and relief to those in need. Liz was also nominated by the Rotary Club of Santa Clarita Valley

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Dale Donohoe has helped improved the community in which he was born and raised in so many ways. On paper—and in action—his contributions are numerous and impactful, and we’ll get to those in a moment. But first we’d like to share a few things that Dale has done quietly, without fanfare, that have made a significant impact in the lives of those around him. When an employee at Dale’s company, Intertex, suffered a heart attack, his staff performed CPR while they waited for the paramedics, who used defibrillation to get the man’s heart beating again. After he was stabilized, Dale accompanied the patient at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital where he went into surgery to receive a stent. He recovered and is alive and well today. “The ironic thing is that Intertex built the Robert G. Veloz Cardiac Cath Lab at Henry Mayo, and that it ultimately saved one our employees’ life,” said Dale. Something else not many people know is that in late 2006-early 2007, Dale suffered a severe infection and went into kidney failure. Fortunately his wife Tamara was identified as a donor match, and gave one of her kidneys to her husband in May 2007. Dale remembers that he could not receive the transplant, however, until he was completely stabilized without any trace of infection. “I thank Henry Mayo, its doctors, employees and staff for making that happen,” said Dale. . As a strong advocate of Santa Clarita’s community hospital, Dale knows firsthand--as a patient-- the importance of making sure the healthcare needs of our community are not only met—but surpassed. His gifts and vision for the future expansions of the hospital demonstrate this dedication. Dale is a board member of Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, and a co-Chair for the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Foundation’s New Patient Tower Capital Campaign, Dale leads by example with his volunteerism and generous donations to help the hospital to provide the best in compassionate, quality healthcare . Dale’s leadership benefits his community across many areas. A local born and bred, Dale is active in his church and has served as a deacon and an elder. He and his wife Tamara quietly donate to local charities and to his employees and their families when they see a need. He coached all four (4) of his children in youth sports and was an elementary and Jr High basketball coach at Santa Clarita Christian School. While he has served as a Board Member for many for profit organizations, we are naturally the most proud and grateful of how his volunteerism and donations have benefitted Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital. Our mission statement is to improve the health of our community through compassion and excellence in healthcare services, and volunteers such as Dale help us accomplish this, every day. We are so grateful for all Dale does for our community hospital.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: I am pleased to nominate Dennis Sugasawara for the SCV Man of the Year Award in recognition of his exceptional impact as the 2023 Fashion Show Chair. Dennis has exhibited outstanding dedication and leadership in spearheading our annual fashion show, a crucial fundraising event that significantly contributes to the success of our Live Your Dream grant awards and the Dream it Be It program. Under Dennis's guidance, the fashion show not only showcased style and elegance but also became a powerful platform for fundraising. His meticulous planning, attention to detail, and tireless efforts ensured the event's success, resulting in substantial funds directed toward empowering women and girls in our community. Dennis's commitment extends beyond the glamour of the fashion show; he passionately advocates for the causes Soroptimist stands for. His role as the Fashion Show Chair exemplifies his understanding of the pivotal role fundraising plays in supporting the Live Your Dream grant awards and the Dream it Be It program. Dennis Sugasawara's volunteer impact has left an indelible mark on our organization, making him a deserving candidate for the SCV Man of the Year Award.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: In 2017 Renee came for a tour and never looked back. She was all in and hit the ground running. Renee has served as a board member for 7 years and has brought new perspective and ideas to the organization, helping to achieve greater financial stability, enhanced facilities and capital improvements. Renee is committed, passionate and someone who simply GETS THINGS DONE. There is never a time that Renee doesn’t raise her hand to do a task…even when it’s a big one. Not only are she and her husband Allen passionate about raising funds, they also personally invest in making annual donations allowing for significant improvements to our facilities, support of our events and fundraising campaigns and are Multi-Year sponsors at our highest level. Renee is simply extraordinary. Her enthusiasm and commitment of both time and talents has been important and impactful, and above all she shares our passion for making a difference in the lives of our children and young adults with special needs. She is willing to do anything and everything it takes for the good of the program, and we can’t think of another woman more worthy of the title, Woman of the Year!

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: When Meredith joined the board at the Santa Clarita History Center, she brought a fresh outlook to discussions, listened intently to new ideas, and posed questions to deepen her knowledge of our nearly 50-year-old organization. She shares her enthusiasm with volunteers and people who ask her about the Society. She digs deep into a task and makes sure that all the details are covered completely. Meredith was instrumental in forming a Community Stakeholder Advisory Board that is currently working on fundraising and museum development. She organized a grant-funded Collections Assessment Program that involved accredited evaluators from historic preservation resources to look at our artifacts and facilities, as well as assisted with an evaluation by experts from the Museum Assessment Program (of the American Alliance of Museums). The reports from these efforts help us prioritize projects and develop new procedures for building management and artifact handling. The SCVHS has benefited from her leadership and teamwork to achieve our current rebranding and establishment of two new museums on the History Center campus. She’s always willing to help, no matter the task, setting a good example for fellow board members and volunteers.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Knowing you can give a volunteer a project and not have to hover or worry that it’s getting done is critical when you run a limited-staff non-profit organization. Guy has taken on several projects – from a wagon to a caboose – and either did the work himself or brought in other creatives to work with him to complete the project, without too much oversight from administrators. His skills are so varied that we have confidence that he knows what he’s doing. He’s friendly to visitors and will go out of his way to do something to make things better for them, from getting chairs to making something work a little easier for a demonstration. He’ll stand at the door of the caboose to help school kids climb up and appreciate the restored interior and help them get into the cab of the locomotive to ring the bell – over and over, always with a smile. We need to acknowledge the craftsmen and appreciate their special talents. Lovers of history in our valley have definitely benefited from Guy’s special care of our artifacts and atmosphere.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Debbie has a long history of service in Santa Clarita. She serves on multiple boards, runs major events, and assists in teaching others to follow in her footsteps. She has served in various roles with Circle of Hope, the Brenda Mehling Cancer Fund, JCI Santa Clarita, JCI California, JCI USA, JCI Santa Clarita Foundation, Child and Family Center, Michael Hoffelin Foundation, FFA Foundation, and the Princess Cruises Community Foundation. Debbie is not only a stellar volunteer herself, but she also mobilizes volunteers from various organizations throughout Santa Clarita. She actively looks for opportunities to activate others and regularly sends out all upcoming volunteer opportunities. For JCI, Debbie served as our chapter president in 2005 before moving to our state and national levels of leadership. She became a certified trainer and had the opportunity to train young and upcoming leaders around the country. She currently serves as our Foundations Vice President, and recently as one of our JCI California Local Officer Trainers. Debbie’s service to our organization is beyond valuable. She continues to impart her wisdom and knowledge to our upcoming leaders.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Lloyd has helped us keep our accounting in order and ensure that all non-profit filing requirements were timely met and properly made. He has been an active member of our board bringing insight and suggestions from his unique viewpoint. He has also been active in the Chiquita Canyon landfill. His landuse knowledge and local experience have been essential to our decision making and interaction in the City and County landuse processes. His connections in the community has helped us to work with the local community.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: In 2005, when we purchased our permanent home in Agua Dulce, Wayne Crawford introduced us to John and asked that he help us. Since that moment, John has been by our sides for every improvement, permit process, construction project and event. Being in the steel building business (Knight Building Systems) John and his team built our 15,000 square foot covered arena in 2014. Charging us only for the cost of materials and labor, this was a game changer for the organization and the realization of a long-time dream. It’s hard to describe someone who gives so much for all the right reasons. It is never to be recognized. His passion for our work is obvious and there is truly nothing that he won’t do to help. He is always a phone call away, and a champion of the Ranch. John may not be on numerous boards across Santa Clarita, but his work at Carousel Ranch has been immense and important. He is committed to the Ranch’s future and continued success as an organization always willing to roll up his sleeves, getting whatever needs to be done…done. We are honored to nominate him as our “Man of the Year”.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: For nearly three decades, Michael R. Mazzetti has provided invaluable services to the Santa Clarita Valley through SCVTV and other organizations. As the station’s longest-serving volunteer, he's personally been responsible for the engineering and directing for thousands of locally-produced shows. He's responsible for the technical production of the Saugus Strong Vigil livestream in 2019 which reached over 200,000 viewers all over the country. He's also responsible for the annual State of the City and Fourth of July Parade productions as well as the day-to-day maintenance and support of the station's equipment. Mike’s support has enabled SCVTV to serve hundreds of local nonprofits, too. Mazzetti has trained hundreds, if not thousands of production and media students -- helping to inspire generations of media professionals who serve in one of Santa Clarita's most booming industries. Without Mike's volunteer service, SCVTV wouldn't be nearly as impactful of an organization as it is today.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Volunteering over 900 hours a year, Professor Teresa Ciardi has been the Advisor of choice for the Astronomy & Physics club since the club was established because she provides a safe, brave, inclusive space where STEM students feel welcome and feel the care she has for each person. She initiated the Aerospace & Sciences Team who compete with university teams each year for spots on NASA student platforms and Teresa has led the team in successful NASA mission for seven consecutive years with six NASA High Altitude Student Platform (HASP) missions completed, three NASA RockSatX missions completed, two RockOn missions completed, and four missions currently in progress for 2023 (NASA HASP, NASA RockSatX, and two NASA RockOn projects) and 2024 (NASA GLEE project). The selection to participate in the NASA GLEE mission will see 100 experiments launched abord Artemis in 2024 and will result in her students’ experiment on the moon. Professor Ciardi secures donations and small grants to support all of the NASA projects, to support the students who design and construct the NASA experiments; the funding she raises buys the materials needed to build the experiments and makes it possible for her to take project leaders to NASA sites where they participate in thermal/vacuum testing and launch of their HASP, RockSatX, and RockOn experiments. Ciardi arranges private tours at locations like SpaceX and JPL for her club students and has tracked 98 internships/scholarships and six full-time careers for her NASA team students to date. Her passion is mentoring and leading underrepresented students in STEM to realizing their dreams.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Pam has become an amazing asset to our organization. She is a great team player who contributes to the mission of the organization without the need to be recognized. Pam brings invaluable expertise and experience in the non-profit industry. She is a tremendous support to both the board of directors and the executive director. As a volunteer she has created a major impact providing direction, guidance and support. Pam has helped operationally from the governance committee to make sure all the organization documents are up-to-date and in compliance with regulations. She donates money for our families, and supports them by being active in all our fundraising efforts and attending all the SMO scheduled events. She participates not only in networking and donor events but also in the private events catering to our families. Her character, integrity and work ethics are admirable Pam is always available for coaching and share her experience. At SMO, she is a very active board member, serving on the Governance Committee; the Empowering HeArts Gala committee; Capital Campaign committee and Make a Mother’s Day committee. As a volunteer Pam is a role model who brings a caring heart and extraordinary resources to the service of others. A beautiful woman who has become a gift and a joy to work with.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Maria's volunteerism has profoundly shaped our organization and community. As Secretary from January 2021 to August 2023 and ongoing Volunteer Coordinator. Maria's impact is evident in her creation of online sign-ups and her adept recruitment, training and retention of volunteers. Her efforts extend to various event committees, including Music Festival 2022, Cars Under the Stars 2021, 2022, Cocktails on the Roof 2021, 2022, 2023, and Wind on the Roof 2022, 2023, 2024. Maria's dynamic contributions have streamlined our operations, expanded community engagement, and left an enduring legacy of positive change.