Annual Recognition Breakfast

September 27, 2024, 7:30 am
Happy Trails Riding Academy
2773 E Oakdale Ave., Tulare, CA 93274

Our Annual Recognition Breakfast is where we celebrate the exceptional individuals of Tulare County who have dedicated themselves to enhancing the lives of their fellow residents.

We honor and recognize local heroes with several awards. These accolades include the Advocate of the Year, Community Spirit, Community Investment, Spirit of Education, and Hand Raiser Award. This year, we are also excited to introduce the inaugural Legacy Award, named in honor of Catherine Demopolis Lamp, awarded to an individual whose extraordinary commitment and service have left a lasting impact on our community.

Your engagement with our community’s celebration not only honors these individuals’ achievements but also strengthens the bonds within Tulare County. Thank you for joining us in recognizing their hard work and dedication.

*This is an outdoor event, closed-toe shoes are encouraged

Community Investment- Central Valley Meat Co

In 1981, Central Valley Meat's predecessor company started out as a small family business processing a few cattle per day.  The business was built on the core principle of delivering products to customers that exceeded their expectations.  This cornerstone value of “Excellence Beyond Expectations” is part of their  culture and is ingrained into everything they do. They understand that they play a key part in the economic success of the Central Valley and that thousands of people depend on  success for their well-being.  We are not only in the beef feeding and processing business, we are also in the business of supporting our employees and our community. They continually invest in community projects and are a valued partner of United Way of Tulare County

Spirit of Education - Nina Clancy  

Nina arrived in Visalia back in the early 80’s and had a goal to make her community and local children better. Fast forward to 2024, she is now the owner of Visalia Montessori, A place to grow, and the co-owner of Greenhouse Montessori. She understands that kids thrive in an environment that promotes natural thinking with some autonomy. Nina was also named as Central Valley’s Remarkable Woman this year  (2024). Her positive and vibrant energy with a can do attitude is contagious ! 

And it does not stop there for Nina: she’s been an established member of the Rotary Club (county center rotary) for many  years. Her service extends beyond the Central Valley. One journey taking her across the globe to Africa and she also led fundraising in Thailand to help over 20 communities have clean water and proper sanitation.

Advocate of the Year - Noah Whitaker  

Over the past 3 years Noah has become a homeless champion in our community in his role. He takes time professionally and personally to sit with organizations, cities and individuals to assist with planning, information sharing, advocacy awareness, and just plain meet people where there are. Noah also throughout the state and nationally works in the space of suicide prevention plan development, intervention and LOSS support. Being someone who has experienced both homelessness and the effects of losing someone to suicide he internalizes both of these missions to help resolve, prevent or support those these situations affect. Noah is human that simply believes in other humans and will advocate alongside others.

Community Spirit - Susie Hanson  

Susie Hanson recently retired from Tulare County HHSA as a social worker for aging adults. During this time, her spirit to volunteer and step up has been tremendous. While she has been serving on the UW, Susie takes her role seriously and have given her time, talent and treasure to ensure that the residents of Tulare County are supported with resources and the ability to get back on their feet.

Hand Raisers - Visalia Breakfast Lions 

This group of individuals understand the word of service and raising their hands to benefit their community. From providing breakfast with their infamous Breakfast wagon, hosting the Visalia Band Review, Supporting  Non-profit financially , giving out annual scholarships, and a myriad of other community  events: Irish fest, pickle ball tournament, car show, and the annual turkey drive. These people are doers. They raise their hand consistently to give back. 

Legacy Award - Catherine Demopolis Lamp  

The Legacy Award, named in honor of Catherine Demopolis Lamp, will recognize an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to the community. She was an advocate for nutritional food and access to food to not only our nation but worldwide. Catherine was a founding member of Foodlink and the creator of My Plate. Her legacy of food advocacy for all will not be forgotten.