Edhat Staff
CAC of Santa Barbara County, 2018 Champions. L to R: Dr. Kevin Walthers, Fran Forman, Robert Freeman (Photo: Jay Farbman)
Source: CAC
On Thursday, Community Action Commission (CAC) honored those who have helped improve the lives of children, youth, families, and seniors in Santa Barbara County. The 13th annual Champions event, held at Hotel Corque in Solvang, recognized:
Fran Forman – As the recently retired Executive Director of Community Action Commission, Forman has worked tirelessly on behalf of children, teens, families and seniors to promote their education, job skills, physical/emotional well-being, and economic security in an effort to stabilize their lives.
Dr. Kevin Walthers – As Superintendent/President of Allan Hancock College, Dr. Walthers has been recognized for building relationships with the community, creating innovative fundraising programs and leading accreditation reporting. Under his leadership, the college launched The Hancock Promise which allows students, who graduate from high schools in the Santa Maria, Lompoc, Santa Ynez and Cuyama valleys, to receive their first year of tuition and fees for free.
CenCal Health – From a very small local health plan to the largest health insurer in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, the mission of CenCal Health is to “improve the health and well-being of the people of the Central Coast.” An organization that provides for those who would not otherwise have health care coverage, CenCal Health runs towards the needs of the community, not away from them.
Thanks to a generous matching gift from CenCal Health, this year’s event raised over $100,000 to support the Healthy Senior Lunch program of Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara County. Top event sponsors were CenCal Health, Rabobank, Arthur Gallagher, BB&H Benefit Designs, Chumash Foundation and Deckers. “Tonight, we are all partners in the quest to ensure our Seniors remain healthy and independent – that makes each one of you a champion as well,” conveyed Patricia Keelean, Executive Director of CAC to an audience of almost 200 guests .
In addition to the guests of honor, other notable attendees at the commemorative dinner and presentation included Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown, CenCal Health CEO Robert Freeman, Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte, Guy R. Walker, Vice President, Board of Directors of Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara County Supervisor Steve Lavagnino, and Goleta City Councilmember Michael T. Bennett.
Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara County creates opportunities for families and individuals to achieve stability through its 22 health and human service programs, including Head Start, Healthy Senior Lunch, Weatherization Assistance, Family & Youth Services, and 2-1-1 Santa Barbara. CAC serves more than 10,000 people throughout the county each year. It also employs over 400 health, education and social service workers and is one of Santa Barbara County’s largest employers. Community Action Commission is a private non-profit agency that leverages support for Santa Barbara County residents through private funding as well as government contracts and grants. More information available at www.cacsb.com
