Over 200 people attended the Community Action Commission (CAC) Community Action Champions annual dinner tonight at the Hotel Corque in Solvang. Honored because of their profound effect on the greater good of the community and their emphasis on helping those who are most vulnerable were Hutton Parker Foundation President Tom Parker, introduced by Santa Barbara Foundation President and CEO Ron Gallo; community volunteer and former CAC board member Gayle Pratt, introduced by former CAC board member Alejandra Chavez; and Santa Maria-Bonita School District Superintendent Phil Alvarado, introduced by County Supervisor Steve Lavagnino.
The honorees were selected by a committee that included CAC Board members, elected officials and representatives of community agencies and non-profit programs. Platinum Sponsors of the event were Santa Maria Energy and the Hutton Parker Foundation. Gold Sponsors were CenCal Health, Arthur Gallagher & Co. and the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.
In addition to Mr. Lavagnino, elected officials present included County Supervisor Janet Wolf, Sheriff and previous honoree Bill Brown, District Attorney and previous Champion Joyce Dudley, Goleta Mayor and former awardee Michael Bennett, Goleta City Councilmember Paula Perotte, Lompoc City Councilmember Ashley Costa, Santa Maria City Councilmembers Jack Boysen and Terri Zuniga and Santa Barbara City Councilmember Cathy Murillo.
Other previously honored Champions in attendance included Patti Stewart, Sylvia Ng, Randy Weiss, Flo Furuike and Miguel Chavez.
Proceeds from the event will go directly to the CAC Healthy Senior Lunch program, which provides meals to 1,350 low-income seniors each year at twelve countywide community centers and through home delivery to disabled seniors.