Daniel Casabonne wasn’t thrilled with the idea of moving from Paris to Sonoma in 1990 to help his parents run Little Switzerland, the restaurant they had just purchased.

“Sonoma was extremely quiet then and I came to bartend at a restaurant that played polka music, so it was not like I was in love with the idea of moving here at first,” he said. “But now, I cannot imagine living anywhere else but Sonoma.”

While bartending and helping his parents with every other aspect of Little Switzerland’s business, he worked at Sonoma Community Center for four years to help it pay off a mortgage and line of credit. Casabonne then worked as a real estate agent for Prudential California Realty, marking the beginning of a very successful career in Sonoma Valley that has enabled him to become a financial donor to Hanna Center and many other nonprofit organizations.

For his contributions, Hanna Center has named Casabonne the 2026 Changemaker of the Year and will honor him at the 2026 Changemakers Gala: Under the Stars, a fundraising event for the center’s programs, on Saturday, April 25, from 5 to 10 p.m.

“Daniel was selected because of his extraordinary generosity and longstanding commitment to Sonoma Valley,” said Cameron Safarloo, president and CEO of Hanna Center. “He consistently supports organizations that strengthen youth, families and community life.”

Safarloo said Casabonne’s dedication reflects a deep belief in shared responsibility and community impact, which aligns closely with Hanna’s mission.

“Daniel’s generosity directly supports our ability to provide mental health services, residential stability and recreational opportunity to youth who need it most,” he said. “His support strengthens our capacity to deliver lasting outcomes.”

The annual Changemaker award, launched in 2025, is given to individuals whose work reflects Hanna Center’s mission and values.

“This may include direct impact at Hanna Center or meaningful contributions across Sonoma Valley,” Safarloo said. “We believe meaningful change strengthens the entire community. When individuals invest in youth, mental health services and community well-being, that impact extends beyond any organization.”

Casabonne said he does not have time to volunteer at the Hanna Center, but he has been able to make financial donations and encourage others to help.

He has supported many other nonprofit organizations in Sonoma Valley, including Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance, Pets Lifeline, Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, Sonoma Valley Rotary, Sonoma Valley Moose Lodge, Sonoma Botanical Garden, The Presentation School, Woodland Star Charter School, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, St. Francis Solano Catholic Church, The Church Mouse, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley.

“The community has been good to me, and I feel that it is only appropriate for me to give back,” he said.

Born and raised in Saratoga, Casabonne attended St. Mary’s College of California in Moraga, where he graduated magna cum laude with a double major in business finance and economics in 1990.

Casabonne then worked briefly in various departments at La Caisse d’Epargne-Paris, a bank in Paris. He intended to focus on international trade but left because his parents had opened the Little Switzerland restaurant, and, as their only child, he wanted to help.

He has lived in Sonoma ever since, working as a real estate agent for Prudential California Realty, Frank Howard Allen Realtors and Sotheby’s International Realty.

Casabonne established himself as one of Sonoma County’s top-producing agents as well as the 21st leading individual agent associated with Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc.

But he feels his main professional accomplishment is that many of his past clients and even strangers have become his biggest cheerleaders in recommending him to others.

“Rankings are important when working in such a competitive industry, but it means so much that people bring me into their family to help them with what is one of their largest investments and then refer me to their family and friends,” he said. “It is amazing that I am now representing buyers and sellers who were little kids when their mom and dad bought or sold with me.”

He has felt his community connections have grown in other ways, as well.

“When I first moved here, I was amazed at the real sense of community, and even though the Valley has grown, we still have a very strong sense of community — and it doesn’t just happen by itself,” he said.

Casabonne said he appreciates the many organizations and people who are addressing important needs in the community.

“As members of the community, we should do whatever we can to help,” he said. “We all need to give back to the community that has brought us such happiness.”

He praised the contributions of Hanna Center to the community.

“Their doors are open to all, and I know that they can make a major difference in a child’s future by providing the right sense of direction at a young age,” he said.

In addition to honoring Casabonne, 2026 Changemakers Gala: Under the Stars will include a three-course dinner by Park Avenue Catering, an interactive casino floor, live music by Radio Gatsby and a live auction. Tickets cost $350 and can be purchased at https://hannacenter.org.