CHAMPIONS OF THE VALLEY
31st Annual Volunteer Awards Celebration
October 11. 2026
CHAMPIONS OF THE VALLEY
honoring volunteers who uplift others and help our community thrive
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11 — 4:00 pm
For more than 30 years, Champions of the Valley has celebrated the extraordinary volunteers of the Santa Ynez Valley and Los Alamos who quietly give their time, talent, and heart to uplift others and enrich our community.
This year’s honorees show us just how many forms community service can take. Their contributions span youth sports and mentorship, environmental education, the arts, nonprofit and civic leadership, veterans causes, and years of hands-on service to local organizations. Some lead from the front, while others quietly show up week after week to do whatever needs to be done.
Champions of the Valley is more than an awards program. It is a chance to come together, recognize the impact volunteers have throughout our Valley, and celebrate the people who make a difference simply by showing up and giving back.
Presenting the 2026 Champions of the Valley Honorees
KROS ANDRADE and VERONICA SANDOVAL
Kros brings energy and creativity to nonprofit leadership, community fundraising, youth coaching, and mentorship, contributing more than 10,000 volunteer hours to creating opportunities for others. Read his story.
Veronica has dedicated decades serving as a volunteer leader and advocate for children, families, and organizations throughout the Santa Ynez Valley while preserving and sharing Chumash culture. Read more here.
SUSAN & ROD CAUGHELL and DENNIS BEEBE
Susan and Rod embody the spirit of showing up wherever needed, serving local youth and nonprofits for decades while turning nearly 21 years of weekly service at Therapeutic Riding into a three-generation family tradition. Read more.
Dennis has contributed thousands of volunteer hours and his many talents throughout the Santa Ynez Valley, championing nature, education, the arts, good local government, and veterans through hands-on service, leadership, and advocacy. Read his story.
YOUTH CHAMPIONS
BELLA SIM and LUPITA ALVARADO
Bella and Lupita, show what is possible when young people combine compassion, leadership, and a genuine commitment to making their community better. Read more here.
Celebrating with our 2026 Community Supporters!
