Be the Difference Awards | May 18th, 2022 at the Santa Cruz Warriors Arena
Recognizing the people, groups, and businesses who do the most to transform Santa Cruz County through volunteerism.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in person & in spirit -- Be the Difference Awards 2022 was a huge success!
Be the Difference Awards 2022 was an inspiring and uplifting event during a time when we need good news and joyous occasions more than ever! Our 2022 Nominees and Award Winners truly embody the spirit of service. Our community is stronger because of all of our volunteers - thank you for Being the Difference! Check out the Winner Movies below produced in partnership by the Volunteer Center and Media Partner KION News Channel 5/46.
Group Winner - Pajaro Valley Loaves & Fishes
The pandemic increased the number of people seeking help from Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes by a whopping 41%! As they always do, this group of essential workers engaged 360 volunteers who donated 16,000 hours to serve over 30,000 healthy, fresh meals to our neighbors last year.
Individual Winner - Jackson Goudreau
Jackson volunteered every day at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Mass Vaccination Covid Vaccine Clinic, even while attending pre-med school classes at UCSC. Early in the Pandemic, Jackson gave his own vaccine appointment to a new grandfather so he could safely meet his new granddaughter! He is also a youth leader, and has dedicated over 2,500 hours coaching and mentoring high school marching band students and drum majors, leading them to the California State Championship Title.
Jackson is graduating from UCSC this Spring 2022 and will be attending medical school at UCSF - Congratulations Jackson!
Business Winner - KindPeoples
Since their opening in 2014, KindPeoples made engaging their employees and customers in community good part of their mission. From beach clean-ups to hosting First Fridays to their KindPeople’s Cares Program, dozens of nonprofits and hundreds of community members are grateful for their support.
"Power Couple Winners" - Helen & Mike Waller
This dynamic duo has transformed London Nelson Community Center with their talents, passion and commitment to community. Helen has logged 2,300 hours teaching line dance classes at the Senior Center to promote fitness and connection, and took her classes online during the pandemic, reaching over 4,000 people. Mike adopted the 1 acre Laurel Park surrounding the Center and has turned it into an oasis of drought resistant, beautiful plants.
Volunteer Center 2022 Legacy Awards - Barbara Bautz | Melody Sharp | Susan Cabrera
In 2022 three incredible matriarchs of the Volunteer Center retired from the Board of Directors after a combined 80 years of service to the Center. The Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County recognized Barbara, Melody and Susan for their service with a Legacy Award, presented at Be the Difference Awards 2022.
Inspired by Be the Difference Awards?
MEET OUR 2022 JUDGES
MaryAnne Carson
Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer - Santa Cruz County Bank
Jim Brown
Executive Director - Arts Council Santa Cruz County
Audries Blake
Assistant Director of Community Relations- UCSC
Angela Cline
Business and Financial Analysis Director- UCSC
Katie Fairbairn
Vice President, Communications & Organizational Development – Santa Cruz Community Credit Union
Kolby Higgins
Integrated Marketing Solutions Consultant– Fox 35
Joe Foster
Public Affairs Manager– Kaiser Permanente
Amy Ivey
Vice President, Marketing & Development– Bay Federal Credit Union
Shannon Stabler
Public & Community Relations Supervisor - Santa Cruz Warriors
David Eakin
Senior Media Advisor– KION 5/46
THANK YOU TO OUR 2022 SPONSORS
Presenting Sponsor & Media Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
Impact Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors
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2020 Be the Difference Awards Watch Party Celebration | Thanks For Joining Us!
Recognizing the Top 50 People, Groups, and Businesses who do the most to transform Santa Cruz County through volunteerism.
Each year we ask you to share your extraordinary stories of those who make our community a happier, healthier place to live through volunteerism. Once again... you delivered! As always it was an honor to celebrate your chosen nominees.
A huge thank you to the more than 200 people who joined us online for the Watch Party Premiere of the 2020 Be the Difference Awards. If you missed this fabulous hour of entertainment and inspiration in celebration of our top 50 nominees you can still watch right here, on YouTube, or on Facebook.
