Every community has individuals and organizations whose quiet dedication makes life better for everyone around them. On Friday, August 21, the Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley (CHT) will celebrate those efforts during its annual Rather Awards, honoring local leaders whose work has strengthened health, education, and quality of life throughout the Pajaro Valley.
Held each year in memory of Phil Rather, a longtime advocate for equitable access to healthcare, the Rather Awards recognize people and organizations whose commitment to service has created lasting impacts across the community. Since the awards were established in 1999, they have become a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the partnerships and leadership that help make the Pajaro Valley healthier, stronger, and more connected.
This year’s honorees represent a wide range of organizations working to improve lives every day.
Among those being recognized is Amy Smet, MPH, Career Technical Education Teacher of Patient Care and co-founder of the Health Careers Academy at Watsonville High School, whose work is helping inspire and prepare the next generation of compassionate healthcare professionals.
Farm Discovery at Live Earth will be honored for connecting more than 4,000 youth and families each year with hands-on education in regenerative agriculture, nutrition, environmental stewardship, and access to fresh organic produce.
The Community Health Trust will also recognize June Ponce, Executive Director of the Watsonville Community Hospital Foundation, whose leadership helped guide the successful $67 million community campaign to preserve Watsonville Community Hospital as a locally owned nonprofit.
Rounding out this year’s award recipients is Salud Para La Gente, whose comprehensive medical, dental, behavioral health, and wellness services provide care for more than 27,000 patients throughout Santa Cruz and North Monterey counties.
In addition to the primary award recipients, special recognition will be presented to Bibiana Rocha, Dr. Cristina Gamboa, Dennis Osmer, Neera Bhatnagar, LCSW, and Yesenia Alvarez for their outstanding contributions to the health and well-being of the community.
“From delivering essential health services to championing education for our youth, these remarkable individuals and organizations make a lasting difference in the Pajaro Valley by expanding access to care and opportunities,” said DeAndre James, Executive Director of the Community Health Trust. “We are grateful for their dedication and invite the community to join us in celebrating their leadership.”
Beyond celebrating this year’s honorees, the Rather Awards also help support the future of community health. Proceeds from the evening benefit the Phil Rather Memorial Endowment Fund, which provides ongoing support for Community Health Trust programs serving individuals and families living with diabetes, prediabetes, and other chronic health conditions.
The 2026 Rather Awards will be held Friday, August 21, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Civic Plaza Community Room, 275 Main Street in Watsonville. Community members are invited to attend and help celebrate the individuals and organizations working every day to improve the health and well-being of the Pajaro Valley.
Tickets are available now, and additional information can be found by contacting the Community Health Trust. The organization also extends its sincere thanks to this year’s event sponsors, Lookout Santa Cruz and Bay Federal Credit Union, for their generous support.
For ticket information, sponsorship inquiries, or additional event details, visit https://pvhealthtrust.org/rather-awards/ or email Development@pvhealthtrust.org.
General info: https://pvhealthtrust.org/rather-awards/
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