The Santa Maria Country Club was filled with gratitude and celebration on November 5 as the Santa Barbara Foundation and the Santa Maria Times presented the 18th Annual Celebrate Philanthropy awards. The ceremony highlighted five individuals and couples whose decades‑long dedication to volunteerism, veteran support, and community development have made a lasting impact on the Santa Maria Valley.
Honorees and Their Contributions
Bill Ostini and Terri Stricklin are siblings who have kept the family’s Hitching Post restaurant tradition alive for nearly 75 years. Ostini, a Vietnam Army veteran, has served as the leader of the Casmalia Community Services District for 26 years, championing youth programs such as the Boys & Girls Club and Jack’s Helping Hand. Stricklin, the longtime general manager of the restaurant, is an active participant in the Breakfast Rotary and other local civic initiatives.
Jay and Vicki Conner have been pillars of civic life for decades. Both have held past presidencies of the Rotary Club of South Santa Maria. Jay Conner, a Vietnam‑era Army veteran, founded and led charitable groups including COPS ’N KIDS and Honor Flight Central Coast California, earning the FBI Community Leadership Award for his service. Vicki Conner co‑founded EconAlliance, an organization focused on regional workforce development and economic growth.
Laurie Tamura brings more than 30 years of land‑use planning and volunteer experience to the Valley. She leads Urban Planning Concepts and serves as president of EconAlliance. Tamura’s board service includes the Santa Maria Police Council, Breakfast Rotary, and the Santa Maria Valley Chamber. As former president of the Los Padres Council, she helped rebuild the Rancho Alegre Outdoor School after the Whittier Fire.
Community Support and Sponsorship
The event was made possible by a host of local sponsors who share the Foundation’s commitment to strengthening the Valley. Supporting organizations included Allan Hancock College, the law firm Andre, Morris & Buttery, Kirk & Simas, Central Coast Community Energy, Community Bank of Santa Maria, and the Frost Family Trust.
Celebrating philanthropy in this way underscores the deep roots of volunteerism and charitable giving that define Santa Maria’s community spirit. By honoring those who give their time, resources, and leadership, the Santa Barbara Foundation and the Santa Maria Times reinforce the importance of faith‑based service, family values, and individual liberty in building a thriving hometown.
Looking Ahead
As the Valley continues to grow, the honorees’ examples serve as a reminder that strong families, faith‑centered service, and personal responsibility are the cornerstones of a resilient community. Their work not only supports immediate needs—such as youth programs and veteran assistance—but also lays the groundwork for long‑term economic vitality through workforce development and thoughtful land‑use planning.
Residents are encouraged to get involved with the highlighted organizations, whether by volunteering at the Boys & Girls Club, supporting local veterans, or participating in Rotary initiatives. The Celebrate Philanthropy luncheon demonstrates that when community members unite around shared values, the Santa Maria Valley can continue to flourish for generations to come.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
