A record 51 Sonoma Valley volunteers from 47 nonprofit organizations received awards from Sonoma Valley Catalyst Fund for their extraordinary service, lasting impact and commitment to the community.

The 2026 Sonoma Valley Star Volunteer Awards were presented to recipients during a celebration attended by nearly 300 people at Vintage House in Sonoma on March 21.

“The number of awardees has increased steadily over the years,” said Barbara Wells, operations director for Sonoma Valley Catalyst Fund. “This year is the largest group yet, with 51 Star Volunteer honorees and five additional individuals who were honored with a Catalyst Leadership Award.”

Nonprofit organizations serving Sonoma Valley were invited to select their own Star Volunteer of the Year. Each honoree was given a commemorative trophy from the Sonoma Valley Catalyst Fund and a certificate of recognition from U.S. Congressman Mike Thompson and Sonoma County Supervisor Rebecca Hermosillo.

Catalyst Leadership Awards were given to two groups of individuals: Suzanne Bringham and Jack Lundgren, for their decades of community service and spirit across Sonoma Valley; and Elena Alioto, Jude Sales and Judith Walsh for their leadership in securing a sustainable future for Unity Kitchen.

“Bringham played a leading role in supporting and strengthening numerous local nonprofits, while Lundgren contributed through hands-on leadership and preservation efforts, particularly at the Sonoma Community Center,” Wells said. “Together, their combined efforts helped shape Sonoma’s cultural, civic and nonprofit landscape, leaving a lasting impact on the community.”

Wells said that Walsh, Alioto and Sales led Sonoma Overnight Support through a challenging period by serving on the negotiations team during partnership discussions with Sonoma Family Meal.

“Walsh and Alioto also volunteered as co-executive directors, helping ensure vital food services continued,” she said. “They were honored with special recognition from Catalyst for their leadership and commitment to providing meals and support to community members in need.”

Catalyst Leadership Awards are not given every year: They are a special recognition that highlights exceptional leadership in the community.

Sonoma Valley Star Volunteer Awards, on the other hand, have been given annually since 2008. They were the inspiration of Sonoma resident Whitney Evans, who was then on the board of the Sonoma Valley Fund, an affiliate of Community Foundation Sonoma County.

In 2022, Sonoma Valley Fund merged with Sonoma Valley Catalyst Fund, which then took over the leadership and hosting of the awards celebration.

The event is funded by sponsors CarePartners Initiative, Community Foundation Sonoma County, Rotary Club of Sonoma Valley, Sonoma Community Center, Sonoma Valley Catalyst Fund and Vintage House.

“Over the past 18 years, the Sonoma Valley Star Volunteer Awards have recognized hundreds of local volunteers whose dedication strengthens the fabric of Sonoma Valley,” Wells said. “As in years past, this year’s awardees are very diverse and very generous with their time.”

She said the 2026 recipients from Sonoma Valley Community Health Center — Magaly Marquez and her sons, Ian and Max Morales — have a unique story.

“They have been dedicated volunteers at Sonoma Valley Community Health Center since 2021,” said Xochilt Marquez Castillo, the center’s marketing director. “They have supported health fairs, emergency preparedness event and the Back-to-School Health Fairs, contributing numerous hours both on-site and behind the scenes.

“Their commitment — and the example Magaly sets for Ian and Max — reflect the highest ideals of volunteerism and embody the spirit of generosity, leadership and civic engagement that strengthens our community.”

Wells, who has been involved in planning the Sonoma Valley Star Volunteer Awards since 2015, said it is her “all-time favorite event.”

“It is uplifting and inspiring to be surrounded by so many caring and giving people,” she said.