In every community, there are people who make things better because they decide to. They notice what’s needed. They bring others along. They keep showing up.
That spirit is at the heart of our upcoming CRC Community Impact Awards, a celebration honoring local changemakers across North County San Diego on March 6.
Recognition matters. Not because the work needs a spotlight to be meaningful, but because celebrating changemakers does something powerful: it reminds us what is possible and inspires more people into the work of strengthening our community.
The awards theme, “Compassion in Action,” reflects the belief that caring is more than a feeling. Caring a practice. It’s how we respond when someone is facing hunger, homelessness, domestic violence or crisis. It’s how we build pathways to safety, stability and healing.
This year’s luncheon includes an inspiring keynote from Dr. Ken Druck, bestselling author and nationally recognized voice on resilience. One of his reflections feels especially fitting as we gather to honor those who lead with heart:
“How we respond to life’s ‘What now?’ moments – change, challenge, loss or opportunity – shapes our character and the quality of our lives.” – Dr. Ken Druck
Our finalists and honorees embody that response. We’re proud to recognize and celebrate them, and grateful for what they make possible across our community.
2026 CRC Community Impact Awards Finalists and Honorees
Compassion in Action Award
Recognizing meaningful service, outreach, advocacy or innovative solutions
Individual
- Lee Auerbach, Board Member and Team Leader, Encinitas Fill-A-Belly
- Richard Hostetter, Founder, Feeding All God’s Children
- Dr. Ana Serrano, Director, God’s Heart Ministry: Las Valientes
- Jordan Verdin, Founder, Humanity Showers
Group
- Boost Program Encinitas
- Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank
- Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Encinitas
- The Woman’s Club of Carlsbad
Youth Changemaker Award
Recognizing a young leader making a difference through leadership, service and action
- Lucas Schalch, Founder of Glory Pursuit
- Sebastian Trumbore, Member of Teen Volunteers in Action (TVIA)
- Zachary Rees, Member of Teen Volunteers in Action (TVIA)
Excellence in Leadership Award Honoree
Recognizing the executive of a partner, nonprofit or for-profit organization for their leadership, collaboration and efforts to create solutions.
Alicia Kitagawa, Executive Director, Life Science Cares San Diego
CRC CARES Award Honorees
Recognizing work that embodies CRC’s values of compassion, acceptance, resilience, empathy and success.
- Dottie Fortman, Member of Newcomers Club of San Dieguito
- TaylorMade Golf Company
If you would like to celebrate with us in person, I hope you’ll join us on Friday, March 6. Tickets are available through February 20.
