The annual event highlights community members who drive civic engagement across Yolo County
By ALMA CULVERWELL — city@theaggie.org
The Yolo Community Foundation hosted the annual Yolo Philanthropy Awards on Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 5:30 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Theater. The event recognized local nonprofits, volunteers and business partners whose charitable work has made a lasting impact across Yolo County.
The Yolo Philanthropy Awards brings together leaders from across Davis, Woodland, Winters and West Sacramento to celebrate the spirit of giving that sustains local organizations. The Yolo Community Foundation was established in 2001 to promote philanthropy and engage with the community.
Jessica Hubbard, executive director of the Yolo Community Foundation, spoke about the purpose of the awards.
“There are two main reasons we put on the Yolo Philanthropy Awards each year,” Hubbard said. “First, it’s a service to local nonprofits. It gives them the opportunity to honor a donor or volunteer that has made a difference for the organization. Second, it’s a way to inspire community engagement. These wonderful donors and volunteers are role models for what it looks like to serve our community.”
Hubbard further explained the selection process for the nominees.
“Each participating nonprofit selects their own honoree and submits them to us — we celebrate all submitted honorees,” Hubbard said.
Since its founding in 2007, the Yolo Philanthropy Awards has honored community members for their contributions to civic life in Yolo County. Hubbard added that participation in the event has grown significantly in recent years.
“Before the pandemic, we used to have about a dozen nonprofits participating each year,” Hubbard said. “Now we consistently have 30 or more. Since 2007, we’ve honored over 290 community members.”
This year’s ceremony featured a highlight video with short clips from each nonprofit introducing their honoree, showcasing the diversity of service and impact throughout the region. The video underscored how volunteers, donors and nonprofit partners continue to strengthen the local community through collaboration and creativity.
The event was open to the public, and Hubbard encouraged community members to attend or stay connected for future events.
The event was made possible with the support of sponsors such as Nugget Market, Western Health Advantage and the Everly and Walter Hass Jr. fund, a non-profit dedicated to social justice in the Bay Area, according to the Yolo Community foundation Instagram page.
“The best way to be notified is to join our email list at yolocf.org or follow us on Facebook or Instagram,” Hubbard said.
The Yolo Philanthropy Awards continue to serve as a reminder of the power of local generosity and the strong community spirit that defines Yolo County.
By Alma Culverwell— city@theaggie.org
