CVCF Celebrates National Philanthropy Day Award Recipients

In recognition of National Philanthropy Day on November 15, the Association of Fundraising Professionals California Valley Chapter awarded individuals and organizations in the Central Valley for their philanthropic efforts including four individuals/organizations nominated by CVCF. 

CVCF’s award recipients include Joan Eaton and Paul Gibson, Amelia’s Angels Foundation, Dale Melville, OK Produce, and Craig Fourcy. 

Joan Eaton and Paul Gibson, CVCF donors, received the Special Award for Philanthropic Leadership. “Receiving this honor is a moment of generational pride,” Joan and Paul said. “Philanthropy is part of our DNA. We have been fortunate to stand on the shoulders of giants.” The couple’s parents, Lew Eaton, Virginia Stammer Eaton, Jack Gibson, and Jane Wilson Gibson, were heavily involved in their communities and instilled the value of paying good fortune forward to others. Lew and the couple’s daughter, Kimberly Gibson, were previously honored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Joan and Paul jokingly said, “The Boomer Generation has finally met the family standard.”  

Joan and Paul are excited for the Central Valley to reap the benefits of people collectively embarking on the next chapter of charitable giving. “To steal a phrase from CVCF's values, we and our neighbors need to unabashedly love our Valley,” they said. “We all need to respond as generously and consistently as we can. Together, we can create a future with no barriers and just opportunity.” 

Amelia’s Angels Foundation, a CVCF fund, received the Outstanding Program award. Christina and Andrew Rodriguez founded Amelia’s Angels after their 7-month-old daughter, Amelia, passed away. The Rodriguez family wanted to ease the financial burden for families with infants and children in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) by assisting with the exorbitant costs of food, lodging, and travel, and if necessary, funeral expenses. “We do what we do not only to keep the memory of our daughter alive but to provide support to families just like ours that need a helping hand,” Christina said. “Recognition is never the goal of any philanthropic organization, but it is a vastly humbling and appreciated experience. This is a true testament to the work of Amelia's Angels and the impact a small team can make.”  

Christina hopes more people in the Central Valley will pursue their passion projects by supporting the causes they value. “You don't have to start with a million dollars to make a difference — just a few people with wholehearted enthusiasm,” she said.  

Dale Melville, a CVCF donor and fundholder, received the Spirit of Philanthropy award. He has generously supported a variety of charitable organizations including Valley Teen Ranch and the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conversation Trust, Inc. Dale credits his philanthropic spirit to the community involvement of his parents and late wife, Pam. “Life has blessed us, so I've been able to escalate giving back to local communities more each year,” Dale said. “I like being able to see the impact of local philanthropy; there is much evidence of giving by many individuals and companies throughout the Central Valley.” 

OK Produce and its CEO Brady Matoian, CVCF donor and board member, received the Outstanding Corporation award. The company’s mission is to make fresh fruit and vegetables accessible to all and has partnered with the Poverello House for more than 15 years to provide produce for people in need. 

Philanthropic giving has been a part of the Matoian family for three generations. Brady’s grandparents, Charlie and Ann Matoian, underscored that they were grateful for the community’s support of their family and taught their loved ones that when you receive that gift of encouragement, you donate generously. Brady’s father, Matty Matoian, then carried on that tradition in numerous ways throughout the community. “We learned from their generosity and follow their lead today and plan to do so — in the future — at OK Produce,” Brady said.  

Craig Fourcy, CVCF donor, fundholder, and board member, received the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser award for his commitment to the community, supporting local organizations including Blood Cancer United, formerly the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central California. “I am very grateful that I was selected for this honor,” Craig said. “Honestly, this award is all about teamwork, and I’m thankful to be surrounded by extremely talented and dedicated people who wake up every day trying to make a difference in our community.” 

If you would like more information on CVCF funds and/or would like to submit a donation, please email Caty Perez at Caty@centralvalleycf.org