Casa Pacifica is grateful for all the volunteers who donate their time throughout the year so we can better serve the children, youth, young adults and families of Casa Pacifica. Volunteers are positive role models, the first for some of the youth, and offer new-world perspectives.
Casa Pacifica’s on-campus volunteer program offers rare opportunities for caring people to make a difference. Volunteers enlighten young minds and open new doors, providing opportunities and possibilities. Angel volunteers go the extra mile to plan memorable children’s parties on campus and host critical fundraising events, volunteering hundreds of hours throughout the year. Community volunteers donate their time through group projects, often helping Casa Pacifica’s maintenance team maintain the vast 25-acre Camarillo Campus.
Each year, Casa Pacifica has the pleasure of recognizing and awarding an Angel of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and a Community Volunteer of the Year.
Volunteers play an irreplaceable role at Casa Pacifica. Without them, we would not be able to provide many of the special “extras” and lifelong memories the children and youth carry with them long after they leave. We extend a heartfelt thank you to each of our volunteers – thank you for giving of your time and talents so we can better the lives of children and youth together!
On Campus Volunteer of the Year – Steve Wiley
Every week for the past several years, musician Steve Wiley has been providing guitar lessons to students attending Casa Pacifica’s Non-Public School, augmenting the piano, percussion and voice instruction that’s offered through the school’s music education program. A longtime volunteer with Musicians on a Mission, Steve helps youth master their favorite songs, learn music theory and advance at their own pace. Research has shown that music education stimulates children’s brains and enhances memory, attention, creativity and problem-solving skills.
Musicians on a Mission is a volunteer-run organization that provides access to music through instrument “gift aways,” mentorship and performing opportunities for youth.
Community Volunteer of the Year – Water’s Edge Restaurant and Bar
Named one of the best restaurants in Ventura County, Water’s Edge is a longtime supporter of Casa Pacifica. Chef Alex Montoya is a familiar face at the organization’s most popular fundraising events – the Top Chef Yummie Dinner and the Casa Pacifica Angels Wine, Food & Brew Fest (WF&B). He’s notched numerous wins as part of the WF&B’s annual Yummie Culinary Competition – which pits the region’s top culinary masters against one another in a blind tasting competition judged by media personalities, food and wine editors and chefs – in both the Sweet and Savory categories.
Water’s Edge has also participated in numerous fundraising initiatives for Casa Pacifica including the annual Dishing it Out for Charity challenge, in which Ventura County restaurants create or select a special dish and donate $2 for every dish sold to the charity of their choice.
Angel of the Year – Pam Grenier
Pam Grenier serves as the Vice President of Skeels & Fox Wealth Management and parlays her leadership and organizational skills to the benefit of Casa Pacifica’s youth and families. A longtime member of the Casa Pacifica Angels volunteer group, Pam has been involved with the organization for more than 20 years. She currently serves as the silent auction committee chair for the Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival, Casa Pacifica’s largest annual fundraiser, and is an active member of the Angels Board. She, along with her husband, Sonny, are credited with helping the Festival grow from a small community event to Ventura County’s premier wine, food and beer festival, annually attended by thousands of guests. A former professional roller dance skater, Pam devotes much of her personal time to teaching roller skating at Skating Plus in Ventura, which she has done since 1978.
On Campus Volunteer of the Year
- 2023 – Steve Wiley
- 2022 – Terri Parks
- 2021 – Chris Cook
- 2020 – Jewell Gerald Powell
- 2019 – Kevin Nunn
- 2018 – David Driscoll
- 2017 – Brenda Sorenson
- 2016 – Bebe Lanquist
- 2015 – Fran Schmeer
- 2014 – Mark Donalson
- 2013 – Jasmin Taylor
- 2012 – Dianna Baker
- 2011 – Rodger Krenkler
- 2010 – Heidi Whitcomb
- 2009 – Cecily Maulding
- 2008 – Penny Levic
- 2007 – Pat McDonough and Rose Larsen
- 2006 – Fran Targon
- 2005 – Joan Rust
- 2004 – Patricia Cordover
- 2003 – Tanya Andrews
- 2002 – Fran Elson
- 2001 – Cindy McTeer
- 2000 – Russ Geary and Debra Sullivan
- 1999 – Barbara Wagner
- 1998 – Carmen Carlson
- 1997 – Betty Anderson
Community Volunteer of the Year
- 2023 – Water’s Edge Restaurant and Bar
- 2022 – Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters – Local 805
- 2021 – BrightView
- 2020 – Fence Factory
- 2019 – PODS
- 2018 – Mamba Sports Academy
- 2017 – Pentair
- 2016 – Lydia Gable and Rick Winters
- 2015 – Stefanie Wennes
Angel of the Year
- 2023 – Pam Grenier
- 2022 – Susan Burgos, Lifetime Angel Award
- 2020 – Patty Turnage
- 2019 – Tami Cook
- 2018 – Susan Bauer
- 2017 – Lori Silvey
- 2016 – Marilyn Stoddard
- 2015 – Terri Parks
- 2014 – Debbie Simpson
- 2013 – Cindy Jaks
- 2012 – Michelle Paschen
- 2011 – Michelle Sievers
- 2010 – Jane Semones
- 2009 – Barbara Ito
- 2008 – Kirsten Selleck
- 2007 – Patricia Cordover
- 2006 – Susan Burgos
- 2005 – Petra Lowe
- 2004 – Fran Elson
- 2003 – Sheila Rakestraw
- 2002 – Joyce Hall
Amigo of the Year
- 2020 – Stefanie Wennes
- 2019 – Julia Brankovic
- 2018 – Scott Squires
- 2017 – Tim New
- 2016 – Dennis Murphy
- 2015 – Tod Elliott
- 2014 – Stephanie Carmi
- 2013 – Shane Hansen
- 2012 – Kevin Charbonneau
- 2011 – Deanne Rollins
- 2010 – Rob Wynner
- 2009 – Ben Hopps
- 2008 – Sonny Grenier
- 2007 – Tim New
- 2006 – Dennis Murphy