Thanks to our sponsors, our April 23, 2026 event was a huge success!
The United in Purpose Celebration Honors Our Community Champions
United in Purpose is an evening of celebration honoring the individuals, youth leaders, and organizations whose leadership and service strengthen Santa Cruz County. Set among the redwoods, the night begins with a scenic train ride, followed by dinner with hosted beer and wine, and an awards celebration highlighting inspiring stories of community, resilience, and youth leadership. Together, we gather to recognize the people who show up for our community and help shape a stronger future. Ways to Participate: Support this special evening by becoming a sponsor, purchasing individual tickets or making a donation to this event. Sponsorships help make this celebration possible and support United Way SCC's work to uplift youth, families, and communities. Proceeds from this event support United Way of Santa Cruz County programs serving youth, families, and communities where support is needed most across the county.
2026 United In Purpose Awardees
- Amethyst Uchida
- Tamara Vides
- Elissa Benson
- Matt Huffaker
- Jamie Goldstein
- Phoebe Cahill - Women in Philanthropy Award
- Kim Luke - Employee Campaign Manager Award
- Nick Ibarra - Volunteer Champion Award
- Sarah Emmert - Community Spirit Award
- Daisy Nunez - Youth Champion of the Year Award
- Ashley Lopez & Hilda Yadira Cortez Mendez - Emerging Leader Awards
- Giovanna Melgoza, Lordes Lopez-Diaz & Violeta Dauksa - Youth Leader of the Year Awards
2025 United In Purpose Awardees
- Volunteer Champion Award - UPS
- Community Spirit Award - K & D Landscaping
- Partner of the Year Award - COE - Youth Led Leadership Alliance
- Employee Campaign Manager Award - Fiona Weigant
- Women in Philanthropy Award - Mari Rossi
- Emerging Leader Award - Laurel Maxwell
- Youth Leader of the Year Awards - Alexandra Rojas & Adrian Ramirez
- Youth Champion of the Year Award - Meggie Pina
