Dear AFP Members and Friends,

What an extraordinary evening of celebration, inspiration, and community spirit! National Philanthropy Day is always a highlight of our chapter’s year, and this year’s November 4 event beautifully reflected what makes our sector remarkable—people coming together to honor generosity, leadership, volunteerism, and compassion. Our honorees reminded us why we do this work: to lift voices, recognize impact, and celebrate those who make our communities stronger every single day.

To our outstanding National Philanthropy Day Committee—thank you for your creativity, professionalism, and heart. Every detail, from the moving stories of our honorees to the joyful connections shared throughout the evening, reflected your dedication and care. Whether joining the event for the first time or returning with renewed enthusiasm, your collaboration made the celebration seamless and unforgettable. We are deeply grateful for your volunteerism and the time, energy, and passion you devoted to bringing this event to life.

Special appreciation goes to Gerry Pantoja, Committee Chair and Past Chapter President; Molly Kemper, Board Member and Past Chapter President; Karen Kawaguchi, Past Board Member; Hannah Quiroz, Current Board Member; AJ Steinberg, Past Board Member; Ethan Craig, Chloe Boswell-Dondorf, Heather Even, Megan Nuss, and Jennie Parkinson. Your combined talents exemplify the spirit of service that defines our chapter.

To our honorees, sponsors, and AFP Board members—thank you for embodying the values of philanthropy and for your steadfast commitment to our mission. Your leadership and generosity continue to strengthen our nonprofit community and inspire all of us to do more good, together. As one honoree so beautifully expressed, “I cannot do all the good that the world needs, but the world needs all the good that I can do.”

Here’s to continuing to lift one another up, celebrate generosity, and carry this momentum into the year ahead. I look forward to seeing many of you at our Holiday Party on December 11.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Elena Ilina Nicklasson

President, AFP Santa Barbara–Ventura Counties Chapter

Congratulations Once Again to All Our Honorees!

Philanthropist of the Year: Santa Barbara

Sarah Berkus Gower

Philanthropist of the Year: Ventura County

Ojai Women's Fund

Volunteer of the Year: Santa Barbara

Dan Lillard

Volunteer of the Year: Ventura County

Madhu Bajaj

Professional Fundraiser of the Year:

Lauren Trujillo

SB Public Library Foundation

Youth in Philanthropy

Youth Arts Leadership Academy (YALA)

TOArts

Champion for Social Justice:

Nyeland Promise

🎄 You’re Invited to Our Holiday Celebration & Annual Meeting! 🎁

When: Wednesday, December 11 · 5:00–7:00 PM

Where: Longoria Winery Tasting Room

📍 732 State Street, Downtown Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Parking: Convenient parking is available across State Street in the Paseo Nuevo shopping mall parking structure.

✨ What’s Happening:

Join us for an evening of holiday cheer, community connection, and celebration of another successful year! Enjoy festive hors d’oeuvres, seasonal beverages, and our Annual Meeting Program, featuring:

• 🎉 Blessing and heartfelt thanks to our departing Board Members
• 🌟 Introduction, welcome, and election of our new leadership and Board Members
• 🥂 A toast to our collective accomplishments—membership growth, professional development, and this year’s wonderful events
• Let’s gather to reflect, reconnect, and raise a glass to the bright year ahead!

Fees: Members $25 / Non-Members $35

November 7 - Desert Communities

10:30am - 1:30pm

Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa, Rancho Mirage, CA

https://tinyurl.com/desertnpd25

November 13 - Orange County

10:30am - 1:30pm

The Grove of Anaheim, Anaheim CA

https://npdoc.org/

November 14 - Greater Los Angeles

11:00am - 2:00pm

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, & Botanic Gardens, San Marino, CA

https://tinyurl.com/npdglac25

November 18 - Inland Empire

11:30am - 1:30pm

Inland Empire Health Plan HQ, Rancho Cucamonga, CA

https://tinyurl.com/npdie25

November 21 - San Diego

11:30am - 1:30pm

Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center, Chula Vista, CA

https://tinyurl.com/npdsd25

Presenting Sponsors

Premier Sponsors

Partner Sponsor

Community Sponsors

Friend Sponsor

Media Sponsor

In-Kind Sponsor

Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)

Founded in 1960, AFP International (formerly the National Society of Fund Raising Executives) advances philanthropy through over 24,000 members in 243 chapters around the world. AFP International is committed to promoting philanthropy and supporting the practice of ethical and effective fundraising. AFP offers many opportunities both at the local chapter and international association levels. Join your local AFP Santa Barbara/Ventura Counties Chapter today for professional development, networking, and employment opportunities.

Association of Fundraising Professionals

P.O. Box 1564, Santa Barbara, CA 93102-1564

(714) 771-3685

admin@afpsbv.org

www.afpsbv.org

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