2022 Celebrate Philanthropy
The 2022 Celebrate Philanthropy luncheon on Tuesday, November 1, at the Santa Maria Country Club, is an annual event that honors individuals, couples or families who, through direct service or financial support, have demonstrated outstanding civic and charitable work in the Santa Maria Valley.
This year, with a sold-out event, Debbie and George Adam and Linda and Mike Cordero were honored for their longstanding work in the community as this year’s Celebrate Philanthropy honorees. In addition, the late Cynthia Schur, who served as the first female publisher of the Santa Maria Times and its sister papers for 16 years, was remembered for her work in organizing the Celebrate Philanthropy event.
“As Santa Maria residents for almost 50 years, Mike and Linda have dug in, gotten dirty, helped those in need, and truly made a difference,” said Ann McCarty, nominator, and Executive Director of North County Rape Crisis & Child Protection Center. “Mike and Linda are pillars of the Santa Maria community, and together they richly deserve this prestigious honor.”
Giving Back
The Corderos have served and volunteered on numerous committees and boards, including our own Northern Santa Barbara County United Way. Mike still serves on our NSBC United Way Board and is a past president.
Linda and Mike Cordero
Photo credit: Randy De La Peña, Santa Maria Times Staff
The Corderos chose careers in public service, with Mike a 39-year career police officer, followed by his continued service as a Santa Maria City Councilman. Linda has served for 50 years in the Santa Maria Bonita School District, currently as a board member. Their years of service include contributing to the Santa Maria Elks, North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center, Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast, and Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara County, among others.
From her first year of teaching, Linda was always either on a school committee or a district committee. During that time, she focused her attention on language and reading, which she considers central to success in life.“Reading just unlocks everything,” she said.
Eddie Taylor, CEO of NSBC United Way couldn’t agree more. “Our work at United Way has a strategic focus on childhood and family support of literacy and financial stability. It is heartwarming to see individuals who can speak to this cause, and see them honored in this way,” added Taylor.
The Adams Are Honored
Debbie and George Adam are another couple honored for their longstanding work in the community as this year’s Celebrate Philanthropy honorees.
“George and Deborah Adam are one of the Santa Maria Valley’s more generous families,” said Jessa Brooks, who nominated the couple for the award. Brooks is the vice president of philanthropy at Marian Regional Medical Center.
The Adams have donated to Marian Regional Medical Center and have been major supporters of many local organizations, including Allan Hancock College, The Boys & Girls Club, Santa Maria Discovery Museum, Fighting Back SMV, St. Joseph High School, St. Louis De Montfort School/Church, Catholic Charities, Make-A-Wish, Oasis Center, Food Bank of Santa Barbara County, 4-H/FFA, SEEAG, SMV YMCA and SM Police and Fire.
All of us at NSBC United Way congratulate the recipients of this year’s Celebrate Philanthropy awards!
