From The Hitching Post to Scout Camps: Santa Maria Valley’s 18th Annual Philanthropy Luncheon
SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) - The 18th Annual Celebrate Philanthropy awards luncheon took place today at the Santa Maria Country Club.
The Santa Barbara Foundation honored five community leaders for their charitable contributions to the Santa Maria Valley.
Organized by the Santa Barbara Foundation and the Santa Maria Times, Celebrate Philanthropy recognizes individuals and couples who have demonstrated civic dedication through direct volunteer service or financial support.
Honorees were selected by an independent committee from public nominations submitted between July and August.
This year's honorees are Bill Ostini, Terri Stricklin, Jay and Vicki Conner, and Laurie Tamura.
Honorees Ostini and Stricklin are siblings who have upheld their family's Hitching Post restaurant tradition for nearly 75 years.
Ostini, a Vietnam Army veteran, has led the Casmalia Community Services District for 26 years and supported youth causes including the Boys & Girls Club and Jack's Helping Hand.
Stricklin serves as the restaurant's longtime general manager and participates in the Breakfast Rotary and local civic initiatives.
Jay and Vicki Conner have contributed to local civic life for decades, both having served as past presidents of the Rotary Club of South Santa Maria. Jay Conner, a Vietnam-era Army veteran, founded or led charitable groups including COPS ’N KIDS and Honor Flight Central Coast California, earning the FBI Community Leadership Award.
Vicki Conner co-founded EconAlliance to support regional workforce and economic growth.
Tamura has worked in the region for more than 30 years as a land use planner and community volunteer.
She leads Urban Planning Concepts and currently serves as president of EconAlliance.
Tamura has served on boards for the Santa Maria Police Council, Breakfast Rotary and the Santa Maria Valley Chamber and as former Los Padres Council president, she helped rebuild Rancho Alegre/Outdoor School after the Whittier Fire.
Event sponsors supporting the Santa Barbara Foundation and the Santa Maria Times include Allan Hancock College, Andre, Morris & Buttery, Kirk & Simas, Central Coast Community Energy, Community Bank of Santa Maria and the Frost Family Trust.
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