Longtime resident, philanthropist and business owner Phyllis Madonna was named the 2012 Citizen of the Year during the SLO Chamber’s 108th Annual Dinner on Jan. 19.
For more than 60 years Madonna has lived, worked, raised a family and local businesses, supported local families and foundations all while helping her community and the many causes that she is so passionate about, thrive. The Citizen of the Year Award is the Chamber’s most prestigious honor and is in recognition of unparalleled service to the community of San Luis Obispo.
“Throughout the years Phyllis has provided so much of her heart and passion to the betterment of the SLO community through not only her humanitarian and philanthropic ventures but also by providing jobs and opportunities for so many county residents,” said SLO Chamber President and CEO Ermina Karim. “She has touched so many lives through her commitment.”
Myriad local foundations, organizations and groups have benefited from Madonna’s passion and love since she and her husband Alex moved to San Luis Obispo six decades ago. Her passion for the arts and education is backed by deep dedication and belief in the impacts these programs make. Her support of the arts has been witnessed for decades through her backing of the San Luis Obispo Symphony, Festival Mozaic, I Madonnari, the Performing Arts Center and the SLO International Film Festival. Her generosity to education will continue to leave an enduring legacy through her support of Mission College Preparatory Catholic High School, San Luis Obispo High School and Cal Poly.
“Phyllis demonstrates her love of people and the community every day through the many different programs and events that she has supported over the years,” said 2011 Citizen of the Year Dave Juhnke. “She has often worked behind the scenes, without notice and without need for recognition. It was definitely the right time to honor the contributions Phyllis has made to San Luis Obispo.”
Of all Madonna’s community efforts, those closest to her will say that helping women is where her passion really lies. For the past 26 years Phyllis’ Musical Revue has benefited the Women’s Shelter Program of San Luis Obispo by bringing together the community for a fashion show featuring some of the area’s most prominent members.
Madonna’s passion and love for the city will ring into the foreseeable future through the bells at the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa that she worked to get replaced and the Christmas tree that shines every season atop Cerro San Luis.
This year’s award was presented by the 2012 award sponsor Rabobank and 2011 Citizen of the Year Dave Juhnke. The Citizen of the Year award has been given every year since 1973.
To view photos from the evening please click here.