United Way of Santa Barbara County Hosts 91st Annual Awards Celebration on May 7th.

Santa Barbara, CA, May 8, 2014—United Way of Santa Barbara County hosted its 91st Annual Awards Celebration at the Four Seasons Biltmore Resort in Montecito on Wednesday, May 7th. This annual dinner recognized local organizations and individuals for contributing to the community and United Way activities, such as: Fun in the Sun, United for Literacy and the Financial Empowerment Partnership.

A total of 25 awards were given to those who have played an instrumental role in the success of UWSBC’s 2014 campaign. Awards were given to local volunteers, as well as businesses, schools, organizations and the individuals that lead them for their outstanding support of UWSBC and its numerous programs. There event began with a reception in the Loggia Ballroom at the Four Seasons Biltmore beginning at 6 p.m., followed by the main celebration at 7 p.m. The night included dinner, music, dancing, and the focal point of the evening: the awards ceremony.

“These award recipients represent what is best about our community,” said Paul Didier, CEO and President of United Way of Santa Barbara County. “It’s amazing what individuals and organizations can achieve when their energies or focused on a common good by creating opportunities and empowering others.”

This year’s award winners are:

2013/14 Annual Award Winners

1
Outstanding Leadership Workplace

Cottage Health System

2
Outstanding Division Award Education

Westmont College

3
Outstanding Division Award Public

Goleta Sanitary District

4
Outstanding Division Award High Tech

ATK Aerospace

5
Outstanding Division Award Business

Nordstrom

6
Outstanding Division Award Finance

Community West Bank

7
Outstanding Division Award Non-Profit

Casa Dorinda

8
Outstanding Division Award Health

Allergan

9
Outstanding Division Award Professionals

MacFarlane, Faletti & Co.

10

Most Outstanding Employee and Corporate Campaign

AGIA

11

Outstanding Fun in the Sun Individual of the Year

John Daly

12

Outstanding Fun in the Sun Organization of the Year

Music Academy

13

United for Health Partner of the Year

American Indian Health & Services

14

Financial Empowerment Individual of the Year

Frank Quezada

15

Financial Empowerment Organization of the Year

AARP

16

United For Literacy Individual of the Year

Mike Nissenson

17

United For Literacy Organization of the Year

Franklin Elementary

18

Community Impact Individual of the Year

John Hanna

19

Community Impact Organization of the Year

Cottage Health System

20

Day of Caring Individual of the Year

Larry Urzua

21

Young Leader of the Year

Alex Koper

22

Largest Overall Campaign

County of Santa Barbara

23

Outstanding Employee Campaign Manager 1-100 Employees

Roberta Issaris, GE

24

Outstanding Employee Campaign Manager 100-250 Employees

Montecito Bank & Trust Committee

25

Outstanding Employee Campaign Manager More than 250 Employees

Lisa Lopez, SBCC

The event was made possible partially by the Biltmore’s, Sanford Winery’s and Floral Ambiance’s generous sponsorships.

For more information, please visit http://www.unitedwaysb.org/.