The DeBrum Family and Mario A. Juarez have been named honorees for 2023 Celebrate Philanthropy, organizing sponsor the Santa Barbara Foundation and gold sponsor the Santa Maria Times have announced.
Selected by an independent committee from nominations submitted by community members, Juarez, and Ronnie, Laura and Faith DeBrum and Landon Brown, will be honored at a luncheon 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2 at the Santa Maria Country Club, 505 W. Waller Lane, Santa Maria.
Santa Maria Mayor Alice Patino will serve as master of ceremonies for the event.
Tickets, at $40 each may be purchased online at www.SBFoundation.org/CPAwards. Tables for cost $320.
Celebrate Philanthropy honors individuals, couples or families who, through direct service or financial support, have demonstrated outstanding civic and charitable work to make the Santa Maria Valley a better place to live.
Any community member could submit a nomination between Aug. 1 and Sept. 8.
“We are so honored to serve as organizing sponsor for Celebrate Philanthropy this year to recognize the DeBrum family and Mario Juarez,” said Jackie Carrera, Santa Barbara Foundation president/CEO.
“When community members like Mario and the DeBrums pour their energy and passion into elevating issues like health and medicine, or education and opportunity, they make life better for everyone in the Santa Maria Valley, and they model what it means to give back,” Carrera said.
“Eight years ago on her 11th birthday, Faith DeBrum was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Since then, the family has championed cancer awareness and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for those in need,” said DeBrum family nominator Ann Peyrat, Children’s Miracle Network gift officer at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Foundation.
“In fact, they’re nearing the collective million dollar mark through their involvement in two Santa Maria Golf tournaments: Golf for Wishes, [with Jared Bailey and Christy Sarten,] and Golfing for Little Heroes,” Peyrat said.
“They’ve become a driving force and the go-to experts on how to run events of this magnitude and success. So much so that other organizations reach out to them for advice,” she said.
Ronnie has served in management at Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo Costco stores, and has actively promoted that company’s May is for Miracles program for the Children’s Miracle Network.
Through that program, he motivated his teams to raise $45,000-$63,000 each year and inspired colleagues to launch supporting fundraisers in the community.
Families with whom the DeBrums have shared their story of triumph over cancer, report they serve as a source of comfort, reassurance, support and advice in the face of similar challenges.
Faith was named Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Queen in 2020. Over eight months at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, she still participated in 16 events and raised around $278,000 for VTC Enterprises.
“Through his committed service, steady leadership and financial support of local organizations, Mario A. Juarez exemplifies the ‘outstanding civic and charitable work in the Santa Maria Valley’ that [Celebrate Philanthropy] values,” said nominator Jon Hooten, executive director of college advancement at Allan Hancock College and the AHC Foundation.
“We are fortunate to call Mario a friend of Allan Hancock College,” said Kevin Walthers, superintendent/president of Allan Hancock College. “His commitment to the community is well known, and his ability to contribute time and resources to our students is a perfect example of how he is changing the odds for northern Santa Barbara County.”
Juarez’s special interest in education has led to decades of service to Allan Hancock College as a member and past president of the Foundation’s Board of Directors and on the Hancock Bond Oversight Committee ensuring public funds were being spent in accordance with taxpayer wishes.
In 2006, he established the Maria Romero Memorial Scholarship at Hancock in honor of his late grandmother, which he has funded annually for more than 15 years. He also taught a free estate planning course at Hancock.
Juarez has served in advisory and education roles at his alma mater St. Joseph’s High School, and St. Louis de Montfort, St. John Neumann and St. Mary’s of the Assumption Churches.
Juarez said he is committed ensuring the Santa Maria Valley has the best available health care for all residents. He has served the Marian Hospital Foundation, including as board president, and is currently a member of Marian’s Community Board.
Juarez was also involved in Habitat for Humanity’s former local affiliate including as president of the board. Being able to see the homes that were built for families and how their lives were positively influenced is something special to Juarez’ heart.
One of Juarez’ greatest joys is coaching his children’s youth soccer and basketball teams which he has done for many years.
Juarez is managing partner in the law firm of Juarez, Adam & Farley, LLP. He graduated from UCSB and UCLA law school as a first-generation college student, and returned to his hometown Santa Maria to build his law practice, which serves both English- and Spanish-speaking clients.
In 2022, Celebrate Philanthropy honored Deborah Adam, George Adam, Linda Cordero and Mike Cordero for extensive volunteering for local nonprofits, career service, and financial contributions to enhance life on the Central Coast.
Individuals or organizations interested in sponsoring the 2023 Celebrate Philanthropy luncheon may contact Kevin Kuga, business development manager, at KKuga@SBFoundation.org or call 805-963-1873.
To learn more about the Santa Barbara Foundation, visit SBFoundation.org.
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