The Association of Fundraising Professionals Santa Barbara/Ventura County Chapter has selected the 2018 honorees for National Philanthropy Day.

Carrie Hughes was named 2018 Professional Fundraiser of the Year.

Heidi Whitcomb was named 2018 Volunteer of the Year, Ventura County.

Peter Schuyler was named 2018 Volunteer of the Year, Santa Barbara County.

Judy and Jack Stapelmann were named Philanthropists of the Year, Santa Barbara County.

Loretta and Mike Merewether were named Philanthropists of the Year, Ventura County.

Wilson Sherman was named Youth Philanthropist of the Year.

The AFP Santa Barbara/Ventura Counties National Philanthropy Day luncheon will be held on Nov. 15 at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals San Luis Obispo County Chapter will honor the Harold J. Miossi Charitable Trust and trustee Howard Carroll as Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year at a luncheon at 11:45 a.m. Nov. 15 at Embassy Suites Hotel in San Luis Obispo.
Cuesta College President Gil Stork will receive the AFP President’s Award for his contributions to creating a culture of philanthropy in San Luis Obispo County.

VENTURA COUNTY NONPROFITS SURVEYED

A recent survey of 64 Ventura County nonprofits found that local organizations outperform their national peers in board members’ understanding the mission and programs of their organization, and in working collaboratively.

Findings also show Ventura County nonprofits struggle to recruit board members who reflect the county’s diversity — a challenge experienced nationally.

The survey was conducted by California Lutheran University’s Center for Nonprofit Leadership and released at its third annual Celebration of the Sector held Oct. 17 at the Camarillo Ranch with more than 200 nonprofit leaders present.

The survey is believed to be the first collection of Ventura County data on board governance and recruitment practices, including diversity, inclusion and equity.

The Center for Nonprofit Leadership is accepting applications for 2019 programs including the Board Leadership Institute, a six-month certificate program for executives and board leaders, and the Nonprofit Resiliency Institute, funded by Kaiser Permanente Southern California and the Amgen Foundation, which is designed to strengthen financial and fundraising practices in the wake of the Thomas fire.

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS REBRANDING

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Barbara County, San Luis Obispo County and Ventura County, along with more than 270 Big Brother Big Sisters affiliates across the country, are unveiling a new, modern look and brand repositioning with a goal of recruiting more diverse volunteers.

“BBBS will continue to build bridges in communities by connecting one adult with one child and supporting that match at every stage,” said Ventura County BBBS CEO Lynne West, “but our agencies will focus on a child’s potential, and our role as adults in helping children achieve their best possible futures.”

REALTORS DISTRIBUTE DISASTER RELIEF FUNDS

The three Realtor associations covering Western Ventura County and Santa Barbara County announced that they have distributed all of the disaster relief funds they obtained for victims of the Thomas fire and the Montecito debris flow, with a little extra thrown in as well.

In all, 278 families received grants of up to $3,000 to cover a month’s rent or mortgage payment from the Ventura County Coastal Association of Realtors, Santa Barbara Association of Realtors and the Ojai Valley Board of Realtors, said VCCAR President Matt Capritto.

A total of 226 Ventura County families were assisted by VCCAR and the Ojai Valley Board of Realtors, with 52 Santa Barbara County families assisted by the Santa Barbara AOR. Ventura County recipients were awarded $526,991 with $126,844 allocated to Santa Barbara County victims. An additional $4,000 was obtained from the National Association of Realtors.

BIG FUNDRAISER FOR DREAM BIG DARLING

The inaugural Dream Big Dinner, Auction & Concert in Paso Robles on Oct. 19 lived up to its name, raising more than $100,000 for Dream Big Darling — a new nonprofit whose mission is to foster the success of women in the wine and spirits industry through mentorship, education, life enhancement and professional retreats.

Held at Santa Margarita Ranch, the event was attended by 175 guests and hosted by female industry leaders from Alta Colina Vineyard and Winery, Ancient Peaks Winery, Clesi Wines, DAOU Vineyards & Winery, Epoch Estate Wines, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines and Ranchero Cellars.

Dream Big Darling is offering five all-access scholarships to Wine Speak 2019, an industry summit slated for Jan. 7-10 in Paso Robles wine country.

• The Good Works column is a monthly roundup of nonprofit and philanthropy news in the Tri-Counties. Please submit items to grabinowitz@pacbiztimes.com.