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: Dennis Verner’s profound impact on the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley is exemplified through his pivotal role in resurrecting the annual auction in 2022 after a two-year hiatus. Displaying unwavering commitment, he stepped up as co-chair alongside his wife, Pamela, demonstrating his dedication to the community and the Club’s mission. Dennis brought a blend of organizational acumen, creativity, and passion for excellence, revitalizing the auction into the key event for Santa Clarita that it has been 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 auction’s success for three consecutive years, raising over $1 million, underscored Dennis’s ability to not only revive but also grow community participation and financial contributions for youth development programs. In 2025, he will co-chair the Festival of Trees, along with his wife Pamela. Dennis’s passion for the event has left a lasting impact, ensuring its continued success for years to come. His dedication to the Boys & Girls Club and the youth it serves highlights his deep commitment to making a difference in Santa Clarita Valley, strengthening opportunities for local kids to reach their full potential.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Susan volunteers at the Pantry daily. She is always ready to lend a hand and has been doing so since before the pandemic. Susan selflessly gives her time and energy checking the dates and freshness of food so that our clients are always given the freshest, most healthy options. While diligently checking and sorting the thousands of food items that arrive daily, Susan also is a friendly face and optimistic member of the Pantry's team. She is sunshine to all who visit and come to help. We appreciate her efforts very much!

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Alex's involvement with JCI Santa Clarita has been incredibly impactful. He have served in various capacities, including President, Vice President of Communication and Marketing, and has co-chaired events like SCV 40 Under Forty. His efforts have helped recognize and support young leaders in the community. Through his dedication and tireless efforts, Alex has significantly contributed to the well-being and vibrancy of the Santa Clarita Valley, making a lasting difference in the lives of many. Certainly! Here's a more professional version: Alex played a pivotal role in the establishment of the JCI Santa Clarita Foundation, fulfilling a long-standing goal of the chapter that had been pursued for over two decades. As a founding director, he continues to contribute his expertise and leadership by serving on the board to this day. Alex has received numerous prestigious awards in recognition of his impactful contributions, including Project of the Year, 40 Under 40 Top 100, The Signal's Top 51 Emerging Leader, the Brian Convis Memorial Award, the JCI California Presidential Medallion, New Project of the Year, among many others." Second Nomination: In 2014, he became an active board member on Circle of Hope Inc. Where he has been helping us with all of our events like Bowling for Hope in March, Vine 2 Wine in August and Afternoon Tea in October. He is also our Social Media Director. In 2017 and 2018, he was the co-chair of Circle of Hope's Vine 2 Wine. In 2018, he was also co-chairing the Circle of Hope's Afternoon Tea with board members Maggie-Mae Gaughan and Caren Kahan. In 2019, he co-chaired a new event called the Hoedown for Hope with Caren Kahan and Rebecca DeLuca which made $17,000 for Circle of Hope. He is still an active board member in fact in 2018 I became the Vice President of Circle of Hope and in 2019 he became President. Post Presidency he has continued to be an anchor on our board and team, stepping up for almost every event and going above and beyond at every turn. He is truly amazing!! Third Nomination: Alex may only have become our board member of Wish Education Foundation in 2020 but he has served on our committees since 2013! We have a small board, so every board member counts - and Alex counts as a handful; we simply could not be able to keep up with the demands of marketing and social media, exposure, etc. without his assistance. As we all know, we are nothing without everyone knowing our name, and we owe much of that to Alex's hard work on our behalf.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Since joining Rotary in 2019, Scott has been instrumental in growing the Club’s Membership, architecting innovations in membership and personally recruiting more than 10 Members to join Rotary. Scott continuously gives freely of his time and energy to support every Club project, volunteering to take on Leadership roles, and leveraging his gift for building relationships and motivating others to get involved. Scott embodies the Club slogan “Service before Self!,” in everything he has endeavored to accomplish. A master “fund raiser,” personally raising tens of thousands of dollars over the last six years, through encouraging sponsorships, and increasing revenue of most every Club legacy event. Scott has strengthened relationships with Civic Leaders, local Business Owners, professional organizations and forged new alliances with Non-Profit Organizations in our Community to leverage shared values and resources to have a broader impact in the lives of others. As club president, Scott was instrumental in merging two local Clubs, to leverage the strength of Membership to accomplish more together. Scott has worked to implement tools and systems to modernize processes, increase event revenue and drive innovation to deliver more funds to the bottom-line and enable Our Club to give more, and make a bigger impact to the lives of those we support.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Holly joined Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital in 2013 as a weekly volunteer in the Women’s Unit. Eventually she became the volunteer mainstay at our Front Desk, greeting and guiding visitors. She also joined the Henry Mayo Auxiliary and was elected treasurer, eventually handling all fund raising for the Auxiliary. Holly became President of the Auxiliary for two years following her stint as Treasurer. She implemented new programs to raise and increase funds and awareness for the hospital. While volunteering at the hospital and active in Auxiliary, she also became a member of Home Tour. Her first position was a volunteer docent at one of the showcase homes and then she took on home décor coordination. She has been a consistent sponsor of the Home Tour Gala for the past four years and is also currently serving as the President. Her commitment to Henry Mayo, her energy and enthusiasm, and her friendly demeanor is invaluable to us. Holly also volunteers for the annual Henry Mayo Bingo or Bust raising money for Breast Cancer Awareness. She helps with event coordination, fundraising and sponsorships and is also a generous donor.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: In 2015 Nick was asked to join our Foundation Board and his impact was felt immediately. Nick has a quiet, efficient style of leadership and contributes his vast legal and community knowledge, his time, and his treasury generously. He took an immediate interest in assisting in updating bylaws, standing rules and regulations around fundraising opportunities. For example, during COVID, the Foundation sought to keep the momentum of our annual Frontier Toyota Golf Classic, despite the times. We received a car to utilize in fundraising and Nick helped us navigate the complex regulations around opportunity drawings. His compassion runs deep. We needed a way to assist families of palliative care patients in preserving the heartbeat or voices of loved ones and Nick stepped up to have Logix fund the acquisition of special Teddy Bears with a recording device. He is our go-to source for advice and wisdom, and a huge advocate for the hospital in the community. Nick’s steady and calm approach to helping people in our community and supporting our hospital is impactful.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Cory is an exceptional volunteer who brings a wealth of community knowledge, a dedicated spirit, and a compassionate heart to our organization. She consistently demonstrates a proactive attitude, always asking, "How can I help?" and "How can we best serve the women and girls in our community?" Cory approaches every task with a positive attitude, innovative ideas, and a commitment to excellence. Notably, Cory spearheaded the implementation of SI Valencia's inaugural SEWBC program, which provides crucial funds for local women battling breast cancer. Furthermore, she has co-chaired our largest fundraiser, Bras for a Cause, since 2021, helping to raise over $500,000 for breast cancer support and treatment in the SC Valley. Cory's compassion and dedication make her a positive role model within her club, inspiring and encouraging others to take on leadership roles. As a cancer survivor, she brings a unique passion and understanding to helping others navigate a similar journey. “Giving back to our extraordinary community and helping those who need a little assist when life gets rough is my ‘why’,” she says. “I have to help.”

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Durinda Evanoff’s impact as a volunteer for over 30 years at Assistance League Santa Clarita can be summed up in one word-Transformative! She has held various leadership positions guiding the ALSC chapter to new heights. With her insight, ALSC has expanded its philanthropic footprint in Santa Clarita Valley from its signature program, Operation School Bell to10 different programs helping children and aiding families who are underserve in our community. As a leader, Durinda had the vision and determination to move the ALSC resale store from a rented space on Main Street in downtown Newhall to its own newly constructed building on Bouquet Canyon in Santa Clarita. She knew if the AL resale store could be expanded there could more money raised to grow ALSC’s philanthropic programs.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Since joining our Board in 2020, Paul has been committed to the mission and vision of our organization, contributing to strategic oversight, governance, and financial stewardship and helping us grow our programs that directly impact thousands of lives annually. During the last five years and with the guidance and leadership of our Board of Directors, our organization successfully added two behavioral health facilities (2020 & 2024) and specialty services that include psychiatry, substance use disorder treatment, and pediatrics. The addition of these programs and specialty services were in response to the growing needs of the Santa Clarita Valley and to improve access to our vulnerable communities. In the most recent Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) completed by Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital in 2022, mental health ranked in the top five of significant health needs in the SCV. Additionally, stakeholders identified that there was a lack of mental health resources and that the cost of services was a barrier to receive care. Last year, SDFHC provided over 3200 counseling sessions and with the addition of our most recent behavioral health facility which opened in September of 2024, these numbers are expected to increase.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Albert has brought a wide array of skills, perspectives, and teamwork to our organization and community. He has strengthened community relationships and built trust by raising awareness about veteran needs, services and resources available, as well as the challenges to access them . Albert’s passion for our mission—to support and serve veterans—is evident in everything he does. His inspiring leadership creates a ripple effect, motivating our volunteers, supporters, contributors and board members to actively engage in our cause. Albert joined SCVSC in 2018, one year after its inception, volunteering his time to assist veterans with educating and assisting veterans access benefits as well as operating the on-site food pantry. Albert eventually joined the board of directors and later was elevated to the role of President in 2020. Under his steadfast leadership, our organization has grown and evolved, serving 100 veterans weekly, offering a range of services that include guidance on veteran benefits, access to our food pantry, housing assistance for homeless veterans, and transportation services to VA hospitals. Most importantly, Albert has ensured our center is a welcoming and a safe space where veterans can connect, share, and feel supported.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Shannon has been instrumental in assisting the College of the Canyons Foundation raise essential funds through our annual Swing for Student Success Golf Tournament. She is instrumental in gaining sponsorships and golfers. She also assists in getting silent auction items and other donations. On top of all of that, she also often provides breakfast to our golfers, which is always greatly appreciated. Shannon is a huge advocate for College of the Canyons and always has the students best interests in mind. Any time we reach out to Shannon for any kind of assistance, she is always willing to lend a hand and help in any way.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: We simply cannot do the work we do without Maria (nor can many other nonprofits in our valley). Volunteerism is at the core of WiSH, as we have a small board and only one employee. Without Maria, who consistently gets us our volunteers, we could not operate or function efficiently, serving the 21,000 students under our purview. Maria is a strong voice on our board, taking charge when needed, giving alternative perspectives, serving on all of our committees and showing up. We know how important it is for us to have board members who are willing to roll up their sleeves, and Maria is the epitome of that board member. Please note that while Maria is incredibly impactful on our board, we fully recognize that her strength goes far beyond WiSH - she has impacted over 11 nonprofits alone just this year. Without her we'd all feel the loss. That is IMPACT, and the truest meaning of "volunteer."

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Since joining our Board in 2024, Laura’s impact was immediate. She has been an invaluable asset to our organization and her contributions extend beyond the boardroom. Laura is a key member of our event planning committee, helping to organize our annual Cornhole Tournament, benefiting our behavioral health programs, and our annual Dixon Duck Dash, where proceeds support both medical and oral healthcare services. Laura secured sponsors, silent auction items, and reached out to local businesses, driving additional funds to support the center’s vital programs. She also promoted the events through community networks, generating enthusiasm and participation. Thanks to Laura’s dedication, ability to engage the community, and her leadership, both fundraisers were hugely successful raising over $40,000 for the organization. Laura’s fresh energy and innovative ideas have brought a renewed sense of board involvement, particularly in strengthening fundraising strategies. She has been instrumental with introducing best practices for fundraising, helping the center increase its reach and impact within the community, and her extensive experience in volunteering with numerous non-profit organizations and her knowledge in nonprofit management has enhanced SDFHC’s outreach and community engagement. Her strategic insights into organizational growth and sustainability have made her a vital resource in helping with strategic planning. Laura’s commitment, expertise, and unwavering support continue to make a lasting difference and supports the mission of the organization which positively impacts the lives of those who rely on the critical services provided by Samuel Dixon Family Health Center. Second Nomination: For the past 17 years, Laura’s volunteerism with Soroptimist International of Greater Santa Clarita Valley (SIGSCV) has had a profound and lasting impact on the organization. As a founding member joining in 2008, she has selflessly dedicated her time and expertise to a variety of roles, demonstrating unwavering commitment to the organization’s mission and community. Laura has served on the Board of Directors for many years in multiple positions, including Club Director, Parliamentarian, and Director of Communications, where she helped ensure clear and effective communication within the club and with the public. Her leadership extended to helping organize major fundraising events such as the Wine Affair, Fashion Show, and chaired numerous auctions. Laura was Co-Chair of the Cheri Fleming Shining Star Legacy Award. Laura has planned the Live Your Dream Award Luncheon, supporting further education to women in our community. Additionally, Laura has been involved as a facilitator in the Dream It, Be It program supporting local high school girls. Over the years she has planned key events like the Annual Installation of Officers dinner and the Soroptimist/Zonta Annual Dinner. She has also served as the Nominating Committee Chair, Auction Chairman, and volunteered for the Blanket Factory project, among many other contributions. Whether coordinating logistics, managing committees, or offering her time at various fundraisers and programs, Laura’s efforts have been central to SIGSCV’s continued success. Her dedication and passion have strengthened the club’s ability to empower women and girls in our community, leaving a lasting legacy of service and leadership.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Alison has been an indispensable part of Circle of Hope, embodying a true spirit of dedication and compassion. Both before and during her tenure as Chair of the Board, she has poured her heart and soul into the organization, going above and beyond in every way imaginable. Alison leads a weekly support group for individuals currently battling or who have survived cancer, offering not just guidance but a sense of community and hope. Her commitment extends far beyond this, as she has navigated the board through incredibly challenging times over the past two years with resilience and determination. In facing these hurdles, Alison took it upon herself to dive deeply into all facets of Circle of Hope’s operations, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the organization to ensure its success. She frequently steps in to assist at the center, even during her valuable work hours, demonstrating an extraordinary willingness to help whenever the need arises. Her dedication to volunteering is unparalleled, as she has devoted much of her personal time to supporting the organization in countless ways. One of Alison’s standout contributions has been her role as co-chair of Hoedown for Hope, a vital fundraising event that has now become a tradition under her leadership for three consecutive years. Alongside her fellow board members, she has worked tirelessly to ensure the event’s success, providing a much-needed boost to Circle of Hope’s revenues in the wake of the pandemic’s financial challenges. Alison’s unwavering commitment, passion, and leadership have left an indelible mark on Circle of Hope, inspiring others and strengthening the organization at every turn. Her contributions continue to make a profound difference in the lives of those we serve, and her dedication is nothing short of extraordinary.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Over the last 24 years, Debbie has made an extraordinary impact on JCI Santa Clarita. Her unwavering dedication and visionary leadership have been the cornerstone of the chapter's success. When she took on the role of President in 2005, Debbie transformed the chapter from a struggling organization into a thriving, award-winning entity, earning top state and national accolades. Debbie's consistent leadership over the past 24 years has been instrumental in the chapter's continued growth and its tremendous impact on our community. She remains a guiding force, mentoring current leaders and serving as the Vice President of the chapter's foundation. Under her leadership and mentorship, the first 40 Under 40 event in Santa Clarita was created, and it continues to be a significant and celebrated event today. Her dedication to the Junior Chamber movement has been recognized with numerous local, state, national, and international awards. Debbie has chaired countless projects, including the prestigious Awards and Installation and the 40 Under 40 events. Without her tireless efforts and unwavering commitment, the chapter would not have survived, let alone become the beacon of impact it is today. Debbie's legacy is one of inspiration and empowerment. Her ability to lead, mentor, and innovate has left an indelible mark on JCI Santa Clarita and the broader community. We are profoundly grateful for her contributions and look forward to the continued positive influence she will undoubtedly have in the years to come. Thank you, Debbie, for being a true leader and an inspiration to us all.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: It is impossible to overstate how Nicole’s volunteerism and leadership have impacted Zonta Santa Clarita Valley Club and its Foundation. At a time when the club was being diminished due to aging, members moving out of the area, and facing loss of impact due to the Covid Pandemic, Nicole Miller refused to see this storied organization fade away out of existence. During her term(s) as president, the club doubled in membership size, regained its footing as a leading service organization in our valley through increased meaningful service, and ensured its sustainable impact through a giant growth in the club’s youth projects at 5 local high schools and College of the Canyons, Z and Golden Z Clubs. She has been responsible for in-person meetings being conducted reliably in a hybrid format so that those unable to attend could join in through Zoom. This has resulted in seven members who have moved out of the area, staying engaged in service to the SCV area. In fact, the club’s Finance Committee Chair now resides in North Carolina and the Parliamentarian resides in Texas. Members of Zonta SCV can be found in the Napa Valley, Arizona, Palm Springs, and beyond. They have remained engaged in service to Santa Clarita in very large measure because of Nicole’s innovative leadership. 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.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Mike followed the preservation efforts of the Society back in 1980 when they and the community moved the Saugus depot to Hart Park, but didn’t get involved until 1997, when he was asked to look at some items in the train yard and see if anything was worth keeping. He found several critical pieces of signal equipment that he refers to as a “priceless treasure.” He supervised the restoration of the wigwag and semaphore and hasn’t stopped working on his rolling stock “to do” list for the last 27 years. We had no idea how lucky we were until Mike walked through the gates. He's given talks about the history of SPRR in the area and the importance of the Saugus Depot and is currently working on the development of accurate museum exhibits and authentic scripts for interpreters and docents. He eagerly shares his knowledge with visitors who catch him working on the train and he has provided expert recommendations during evaluations from state and national museum assessors at the History Center. He’s the real deal. With his help, we will soon be opening a world-class railroad museum with an authentically restored steam engine and caboose for the community.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Jackie loves being “in the building” and being with our seniors on a regular basis. She sees the seniors, talks to them, enjoys their laughter, listens to their questions and thrives on the vibe she feels when walking into Bella Vida. She is a dependable volunteer and Board Member of the SCV Senior Center. She is a board member who walks the walk and talks the talk. Jackie worked daily during the Covid pandemic at the Bella Vida Drive Thru. She became someone that the seniors could see and talk to everyday. Jackie noticed changes in their health and behavior and was able refer them to our social services department. She continues to have a quarterly lunch with some of the seniors she met at the drive-thru. Jackie is currently a Meals on Wheels driver, delivering meals two days a week. Since she started with the Meals on Wheels program, Jackie has delivered 1,200 meals! Whenever Jackie volunteers, she makes it a point to be kind, fun and personal, by wearing costumes, delivering personalized goodies, or giving warm hugs. Her goal is to make our clients smile! As a Board Member, Jackie has taken on the role of Co-Chair for the annual Celebrity Waiter Fundraising Dinner event for the past two years. Jackie is an engaged board member, contributing financially, contributing with her time, and contributing with her heart.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Pat doesn’t know the word “can’t” – this ageless volunteer contributes to board decisions, has painted over graffiti and dug out trails at the St. Francis Dam site, helped Guy remove a back porch from a historic house, served snacks, taken tickets, and supported the SCV Historical Society in more ways than she can count. We would be lost without her. After retiring, Pat cautiously joined a few nonprofits in town, including the Questers, a group dedicated to historic preservation that was working on two houses in the History Center, serving as a docent when houses were open on Sundays. Eventually, she joined the board of directors after she stepped in to take minutes – a task reminiscent of her project of scanning original copies of the minutes from the group’s inception in 1975 to 2017 for the website scvhistory.com. It’s because of Pat that we know from where we came. Her military, healthcare, and nonprofit involvement has provided inspiration for staff and volunteers at the Center. She tells the upcoming generation of volunteers to pace themselves, to try things before settling. “Don’t overextend yourselves, don’t get tied down with too much. Feel it out and then decide where it is you want to put your energies.”

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: For over a decade, Josh Rivas has been a cornerstone of SIGSCV, tirelessly dedicating himself to its growth and success. A natural leader, Josh has embraced multiple leadership roles, leaving a lasting impact on the club and the community. His passion for supporting meaningful causes is unmatched—if there’s a need, Josh is there, whether he’s offering his time or stepping up to lead a mission. Despite managing his own successful business and having been a full-time caregiver to his quadriplegic grandmother for 18 years, Josh has consistently gone above and beyond. He’s chaired the Wine Affair four times and the Fashion Show twice, and during the pandemic, he innovatively orchestrated a socially distanced event—the only gathering of 2020. His efforts have directly contributed to raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for the organization. As the first male member of SIGSCV, Josh has helped shape the club into what it is today. Now serving as the Director of Public Awareness, he continues to drive our mission forward and is already planning his run for president in 2026. Josh’s dedication, compassion, and leadership make him an invaluable member of our community, and it’s clear that his influence will be felt for years to come.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Linda has been changing lives at Fostering Youth Independence (FYI) since January 2018, when she began volunteering as an Ally. Linda is perfectly suited for the Ally role, which entails providing guidance, encouragement and emotional support to a current or former foster youth who has no parental support or positive role models. A retired teacher, Linda poured her love, dedication and passion for education into her relationship with Karina, the foster youth with whom she was paired. She spent countless hours tutoring Karina to help her gain the skills needed to pass the nursing school entrance exam. More importantly, she showed Karina she was deserving of love and that she mattered. With Linda’s unwavering support and unconditional love, Karina has become a registered nurse, earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and now works with cancer patients in the oncology departments at two hospitals. Linda and Karina have developed a lifelong, unbreakable bond. Linda joined FYI’s board of directors in 2019 and has been instrumental in guiding the organization through its significant growth. She provides encouragement to the leadership team and mentorship to her fellow Allies. Linda continues to impact many foster youth at FYI by offering tutoring, providing transportation and meeting financial needs. She recently opened her home to a youth who was impacted by the Hughes fire. Whenever FYI has a need, we know we can count on Linda to come to the rescue. Santa Clarita is a better place because of Linda!

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Bob is an integral part of our volunteer staff. He tirelessly comes in to work twice a week, every week and never leaves the Pantry high and dry. A proud Navy veteran, Bob is an outstanding member of the community and beloved by all who work at and come to the Pantry for help. Without Bob, we don't know what we would do. There is only one Bob Lasher!

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Krissy is the backbone of the Rotary Club, helping in organization and implementation of Rotary’s charitable and service events. She arrives an hour before the events and stays after to clean up and reorganize event supplies. She makes sure the weekly meeting room is supplied with badges, banners, and necessary accessories for the guest speakers. She leads by example with her dedicated work ethic supplying social encouragement with physical set-up skills at events which require heavy lifting as well decorative touches. As part of a husband-wife membership, Krissy is involved with behind-the-scenes organization for our events.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Missy Carter’s impact at Carousel Ranch is nothing short of extraordinary. A dedicated board member since 2018, she currently serves as the Board President and chair of the annual Crystal and Cowgirls event. From the moment Missy first arrived at the Ranch, she embraced its mission with unwavering passion, boundless energy, and a heart full of commitment. Missy has been a multi-year Copper-level sponsor and offering invaluable support for our events and fundraising campaigns year after year. Her contributions extend well beyond her leadership role; she has been instrumental in securing new donors and sponsors, and her advocacy has been vital in raising awareness for Carousel Ranch. Through her efforts, the Ranch has expanded its network of supporters and built stronger community connections. Together with her husband, Matt, Missy also volunteers for our annual Heart of the West event. It’s not uncommon to find her at the Ranch, feeding the horses alongside her family. Missy’s deep love for Carousel Ranch and the students and animals it serves is evident in everything she does. She is one of the Ranch’s biggest champions, tirelessly working to ensure its continued success. Her dedication and willingness to do whatever it takes for the good of the program make her the perfect candidate for the title of Woman of the Year. There is no one more deserving of this honor than Missy!

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Ms. Roberts has been responsible for the rescue of countless animal of numerous breeds over the last 12 to 15 years. She has worked with other animal rescues across not only the state of California, but across the country to rescue animals, provide medical care and place them in loving homes. Ms. Roberts has done all this recuse work on her own time in addition to working a full-time job as a paralegal for a large Los Angeles Family Law practice. Additionally, she has raised money for the necessary medical treatments for animals in order to facilitate adoptions as well as for life saving medical procedures for animals in need. As part of the rescue capabilities, Ms. Roberts maintains a network of volunteers across the SCV to aid int eh rescue process, fostering animals and assisting as necessary in the goals of the rescue to ensure all animals are given an opportunity to survive and thrive in a loving environment/home.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: For the past 12 years, John has been a dedicated volunteer, using his time, skills, and resources to support Carousel Ranch’s mission and ensure its success. His commitment is most evident in his enthusiastic coordination of the tear-down for the Ranch’s annual fundraiser, Heart of the West. John meticulously plans every detail, recruiting local high school teams to help, ensuring the cleanup runs smoothly. While this may seem like a small part of the event, John and his team organize and clean up in just a few hours, saving the organization countless hours, energy, and money in the days that follow. His hands-on approach reflects his deep care and unwavering dedication to the Ranch’s mission. For John, volunteering is not just a task—it’s a passion and a heartfelt mission. Beyond his work at the event, John has donated plumbing services to Carousel Ranch, saving the organization thousands of dollars. His generosity and willingness to lend his expertise have been invaluable to the Ranch’s ongoing success. What makes John’s contributions even more remarkable is that his work is never motivated by a desire for recognition. His passion for Carousel Ranch is clear, and there is nothing he won’t do to help. Always just a phone call away, John is a steadfast champion for the Ranch. While he may not serve on numerous boards, his impact at Carousel Ranch has been immense, and his dedication to its future success makes him more than deserving of the title Man of the Year.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Jen has been a global champion at ACS in her volunteer impact, with a 'walk-the-talk' approach that she has trained and empowered other volunteer leaders to follow throughout ACS' global Relay For Life charity walk movement. Because of Jen’s inspiring work ethic, she was voted by her peers to co-chair the Relay For Life of Santa Clarita Valley in 2009-11 and again in 2018, 2021 & 2022. During the formative years (2009-11) of the American Cancer Society’s SCV chapter, Jen’s leadership led the local chapter to raise more than half a million dollars annually to support cancer research, patient services, and advocacy and earned Relay For Life of SCV nationwide accolades. Jen is a true mentor and essential community impact partner. The logistics involved with producing a major charitable event takes a full year of planning and connections, which in Jen's case means she never misses a beat year after year in saving more lives faster. A staple part of what makes Relay For Life (RFL) impactful is that we honor cancer survivors with gift bags and donated items from the community. During the 2020 season when we were unable to gather for in person events, and survivors were feeling isolated during the COVID-19 Pandemic, Jen led an effort to recognize cancer survivors by delivering survivor gift bags, deemed “Bags of Hope”, to their doorsteps bringing light to a dark time in our community. Throughout her tenure, Jen has always held Survivor and Caregiver recognition in her focus to ensure that anyone who has heard the words “you have cancer” feels supported, seen, and celebrated. Jen has always been an innovator and seeks to find new and unique ways to raise funds and impact our mission. In 2021, Jen launched a Hope For The Holidays fundraising campaign that engaged multiple teams to raise funds for RFL in November. Since then, this annual initiative has raised over $20,000 during the holiday season which otherwise would result in low fundraising activity. Jen continues to serve the local RFL as a co-captain for team Bosom Buddies. Her team has raised $383,000 since 2001. She also serves on the event planning committee as a Team Captains Council mentor where she continues to empower new and tenured volunteers to accomplish their goals and feel empowered to impact our organization’s mission to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: She has improved the lives of countless students by volunteering over 900 hours per year. Her students participate in real NASA missions. In 2024, her team emerged victorious over universities worldwide and secured a full payload deck. In 2024, Ciardi collaborated with NASA headquarters to develop a grant for non-research institutions. Ciardi served as a reviewer on a panel for the initial set of grants. She applied for and obtained a $300,000 grant for two years to acquire new equipment and to compensate 10 students leading HASP and RockSat-X. This award includes a guaranteed internship for one student at JPL.Student achievements such as careers at companies such as Space-X, internships and scholarships awarded are literally impossible without her. Teresa values mentor-mentee relationships & forms deep links with her Astronomy & Physics club & STEM Equity Alliance students. Teresa has an impact by listening and encouraging STEM students and builds confidence in her students. Field trips, workshops, and team-building activities empower students to be fearless and have honest conversations with her, and each other. She has hosted Los Angeles children for Astronomy Day at COC, planned and coordinated public Star Parties since the event's debut, taught Upward Bound students, given presentations at local libraries, developed and facilitated NGSS training for SCV teachers, and volunteered in SCV primary schools. Teresa enjoys science outreach & making science accessible.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Lynne Plambeck has served as unpaid volunteer executive director of Santa Clarita Organization for Planning and Environment for many years, She organizes meetings, events, volunteers, outreach activities and fundraising for SCOPE. Her enthusiasm for preserving our local environment is unparallel, and has had a great impact on what makes Santa Clarita Valley special... open space for outdoor activities, oak trees for biodiversity and education of our youth through grants that are funded.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Michelle's voluntarism impacts The Salvation Army ministry in Santa Clarita a deep way, specially during the holiday season where she gives uncountable hours of her personal time to help with our Giving Angel Tree and Adopt a Senior which is life saving because it brings hope and joy for so many that without our assistance would go through the holidays without being acknowledged. Thousands of kids who now have kids of their own, have been impacted by her incredible desire to give back over her 28 years of committed volunteer work, which we are overwhelmingly grateful for!

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Ron brings his comprehensive leadership experience and deep commitment to serving those who serve others. Understanding the unique challenges faced by first responders, he applies his military background and extensive community service expertise to strengthen the organization's impact. Ron contributes through multiple channels, from providing professional photography services that document the organization's important work to actively participating in fundraising events and strategic planning. His ability to forge meaningful connections within the Santa Clarita Valley business community has proven invaluable in expanding the organization's network of supporters and resources. Ron leverages these relationships to enhance fundraising efforts aimed at supporting first responders struggling with PTSD, mental health challenges, and addiction. His hands-on approach includes coordinating events, securing donations, and raising community awareness about the critical mental health needs of first responders. Drawing from his successful track record with other non-profits, Ron helps guide the organization's strategic initiatives while maintaining his commitment to direct service through volunteer work. His multifaceted involvement - from board-level decision-making to on-the-ground support - exemplifies his holistic approach to community service and his dedication to supporting first responders in crisis.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT: Jason Gibbs has been a great asset for our Advisory Board. His charism and ability to connect with people has helped us to expand our reach within the community making connections and partnerships with companies and other organizations. Jason has been also very effective in connecting us with new resources for our development committee and fundraisings.