The Isabel P. Ruiz Humanitarian Award was established through The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County (CFSLOCO) to recognize SLO County individuals who demonstrate leadership, influence and advocacy in the pursuit of community organizing, and is named after longtime community volunteer advocate, the late Isabel Ruiz. The deadline for this year’s nominations is Thursday, August 1, 2013. Nomination forms are available on The Community Foundation’s website. Mail completed forms to 550 Dana Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 or fax to (805) 543-2346.
“The award honors individuals who follow in Isabel Ruiz’s footsteps, and is a legacy that honors this remarkable woman’s contributions to our community,” said Barry VanderKelen, executive director of The Community Foundation.
Recent previous honorees include: Jeannette Duncan, executive director of People’s Self-Help Housing, for community advocacy that spans over 43 years benefitting youth, low-income families, farm workers, seniors and the homeless; Mary Illingworth, for tireless work starting and running the local nonprofit, Jack’s Helping Hand that serves families who have children with special needs; Xelina Rojas for working above and beyond job duties with families in support of their desire to fundraise for scholarships, to learn about community advocacy, and to implement service learning in Paso Robles.
Established through CFSLOCO by Bill Broadbent in 2007, the Isabel P. Ruiz Humanitarian Award serves the dual purpose of honoring Ruiz and encouraging others to follow in her footsteps.
Since 1998, The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County has supported SLO County with grant awards totaling more than $22 million. The permanent endowment has grown to $32 million, and will support our communities in perpetuity. For more information or to donate to any fund, visit The Community Foundation website or call 543-2323.