DVS 2nd Annual Community Award
Domestic Violence Solutions for Santa Barbara County (DVS) held its Evening of Gratitude for its funders and supporters at the Fess Parker Tasting Room in the Funk Zone on Thursday, April 30.
The featured note of the program is their 2nd Annual Community Award Presentation which this year went to Richie’s Barber Shop Montecito for their continued support over the past four years in both raising community awareness of DVS and supporting it every Christmas holiday season with both donations and needed supplies for those in refuge at DVS.
The DVS Community Award is given to a business or individual who has shown extraordinary leadership in raising awareness around domestic violence, uplifts DVS and encourages meaningful community conversation on it.
Richie’s award reads: “Richie’s Barber Shop proudly champions Domestic Violence Solutions for Santa Barbara County, who provide safety, shelter, and support for individuals and families affected by domestic violence.”
The award was presented by Executive Director Ken Oplinger, who said, “For the past several years the honoree tonight has showed up for our clients in ways that go far beyond expectation. They provide thoughtful holiday gifts to the entire family, they help ensure that some of the lives in our shelter, some with very little, are met with care and dignity, they are provided everything from toothbrushes to pillows, and daily essentials that ensure our supply closets are stocked and ready. They also continue to be strong advocates for our work, sharing our mission, keeping materials on hand about DVS at their shop and uplifting the importance of what we do. Their partnership has meant very much to our staff and the families they serve. It’s their impact that will certainly not be forgotten. Please join me in thanking Richie’s Barber Shop in Montecito.”
I was invited to the event by DVS Director of Development Tina Ballue as we coordinated during Richie’s holiday giving for her statement and group photos at the barber shop with the team. The caveat is everyone on Richie’s team and I knew he would be receiving the award, but he was truly surprised, and in true Richie style humbled by it. Upon receiving the award, he said, “Thank you so much, we love you so much and you do so much for the community. We are honored and look forward to doing more for you every year! We love working with you and you are our favorite organization. Thank you! Thank you! And to my team who’s here, you work so hard, you are amazing… [applause]”
Present from DVS included Board of Directors President Morgan Steffen and her board members, DVS staff and local funders.
Present from Richie’s Barber Shop were his team of barbers, Lexi (Alexis Dakin), Jessica Jay, Summer Vasey, Mackenzie Caldwell, Carlie Kuhns, Mariay Tsushima,
Grace Casner, Stacy McCullar, and Richie’s GF Michelle Richardson.
And of all surprises… while I was setting up the photo session of Richie and Jess with DVS, Ballue presented me with a bouquet of roses for my work in promoting their cause to Richie’s four years ago and for the press coverage since. They asked that I be in their photo, which accompanies this news report – #honored #bighugsthankyou!
Oplinger provided the funders a spoiler alert that the goal for DVS’s 50th Year Anniversary in 2027 is to build nine housing units at the Santa Maria location, for which they are in process of purchasing the building at this time.
You might also be interested in...
You must be logged in to post a comment.