SAVE THE DATE!
Event Overview
Uplifting Those Who Uplift Our Community
The Rather Awards are an inspiring opportunity to honor those who are making a difference in our community. Our goal is to recognize and celebrate the efforts of individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to uplifting others and improving lives in the Pajaro Valley.
Proceeds benefit the Phil Rather Memorial Endowment Fund
Earnings from the Phil Rather Endowment help support the Diabetes Health Center as it continues to provide and grow its services for those affected by diabetes, prediabetes, and other health conditions, through education and support.
For additional details or inquiries, please email Development@pvhealthtrust.org
August 21, 2026
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
275 Main St, Watsonville, CA
Sponsorship Opportunities
To learn how your organization or business can support this wonderful community event, contact Development@pvhealthtrust.org.
2026 Sponsors!
Phil Rather Leadership in Healthcare
The Community Health Trust instituted the Phil Rather Award for Leadership in Healthcare in 1999 to honor Mr. Rather’s legacy of service to the community.
For three decades, Phil Rather advocated for access to healthcare for Pájaro Valley residents, especially those facing economic and social barriers. He supported the vision for creating the Community Health Trust’s Diabetes Health Center, which has filled a significant gap in diabetes prevention and self-management education services for the community.
The annual Rather Award for Leadership in Healthcare recognizes those who have made outstanding contributions to health and quality of life in Pajaro Valley.
Following Mr. Rather’s passing, his family created the Phil Rather Memorial Endowment Fund to honor his memory and support the DHC. Across nearly 15 years, the Rather Endowment Fund has been instrumental in sustaining access to DHC services.
Past recipients of the Rather Award include:
2025: Dr. Carmin Mari Powell, MD, FAAP, Roberto Atilano Diaz, and CAB: Homelessness Prevention and Intervention Services Team
2024: Mónica Morales, Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance, and Positive Discipline Community Resources
2023: Sister Rosa Dolores Rodriguez, Matko Vranjes, Community Bridges, and Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes
2022: Gina Castañeda, Kathryne Rockwood and Proyecto Salud-Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County, INC.
2021: Dr. Wells Shoemaker, Nancy Faulstich, Paulina Moreno, Paz Padilla, Erica Padilla Chavez, Tamara Vides, University of California Santa Cruz and Watsonville Campesino Appreciation Caravan
2020: Dr. Michelle Rodriguez and Teen Kitchen Project
2019: Dr. Amy McEntee and Georgina Ibarra & Matt Nathanson, Homeless Persons’ Health Project
2018: Dr. Michele Violich and Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County
2017: Eleanor Littman and FoodWhat?!
2016: Paul Furman and the Watsonville Family YMCA
2015: Dr. Stanley Hajduk and the Community Alliance of Family Farmers
2014: Chila Correa and Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services
2013: Dr. Miguel Vasquez and Dientes Community Dental Services
2012: Cathy Cavanaugh, MS, RD, Community Bridges WIC and The Fitness 4 Life Program of the Pajaro Valley Unified School District
2011: Dori Rose Inda and Planned Parenthood Mar Monte
2010: Thea Luiten, RN and The Child and Family Development Programs of the Santa Cruz Community Counseling Center
2009: Mary Solari and Ginny Solari Mazry and The Richard and Mary Solari Charitable Trust and Jovenes SANOS
2008: Kathleen Kilpatrick, RN at Watsonville High School and the Healthy Kids Program of Santa Cruz County
2007: Dr. George Wolfe and the Youth Resource Bank of Santa Cruz County
2006: Mary Boyd and The Central California Alliance for Health
2005: Ed and Doris Mann and Hospice Caring Project of Santa Cruz County
2004: Salud Para La Gente
2003: Jorge Sanchez, Si Se Puede and the Watsonville Community Hospital Service League
2002: Bonnie Gutierrez
2001: Dr. Janet Bell
2000: The DiCicco Family of Watsonville
1999: Phil Rather
