LIVERMORE, CA — The Tri-Valley Nonprofit Alliance announced the finalists for the 2026 Impact Maker Awards, which celebrate the people, nonprofits, businesses, and community partnerships who help make a meaningful difference in the Tri-Valley.
The winners will be announced at the Power of Giving Celebration, which will take place Nov. 12 at the Bankhead Theater. The evening will feature an awards ceremony, and stories of local impact shared by local leaders. There will also be a reception and networking hour to connect with local leaders, donors, and volunteers. See here for tickets.
Subscribe
"The Power of Giving Celebration showcases the generosity and commitment that define our Tri-Valley community. Each finalist reflects the leadership, service, and creativity that make this region what it is, and we are honored to recognize them," said TVNPA CEO Kathy Young in a statement.
The following honorees were recognized across six categories, with descriptions of their contributions provided by organizers.
Arts & Culture
- Cheza Nami Foundation: Brings people together through African dance, drumming, storytelling, and cultural education.
- Pleasanton Cultural Arts Council: Supports artists, arts education, public art, and cultural experiences throughout Pleasanton.
- Quest Science Center: Sparks curiosity through hands-on science experiences connecting young people and families with scientists and makers.
Corporate & Philanthropic Partner
- Amos Productions: Supports nonprofit events with production expertise, donated services, and discounted pricing.
- Community Health & Education Foundation (CHEF): Helps local nonprofits raise more through matching campaigns that bring donors and organizations together.
- Lance Cavalieri Jewelers: Supports a range of Tri-Valley nonprofits through auction contributions and community service.
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory: Supports local nonprofits through employee giving, volunteerism, grants, and community partnerships.
- Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley: Partners with nonprofits to address needs including access to care, food security, housing, and behavioral health.
Lifetime Achievement
- April Rovero: Turned the loss of her son into national work advancing overdose prevention, education, and family support.
- Erie Mills: Has expanded opportunities for performers and audiences through her leadership and mentorship in local opera.
- Gary Gomes: Has spent decades offering practical help and human connection to people experiencing homelessness.
- Graham Alcott: Has supported Tri-Valley Haven for more than 20 years as a donor, advisor, board member, and volunteer.
- Lara Calvert: Leads programs and partnerships that help older adults and families remain healthy, safe, and independent.
- Lori Souza: Has brought people and resources together to advance education, science, conservation, the arts, and survivor services.
Unsung Hero
- Alcian Lindo: Helps people overcome barriers to employment through individualized support at Tri-Valley Career Center.
- Andrea Callaway: Founded the Nephrotic Syndrome Foundation to connect affected families with support, information, and community.
- Bryan Ware: Founded The Crayon Initiative, which turns discarded crayons into creative tools for hospitalized children.
- Cynthia Morales: Manages the complex funding agreements that help Tri-Valley Haven provide dependable services to survivors and families.
- Jayson Sanchez: Strengthens the Livermore Filipino American Organization through communications, events, mentorship, and cultural preservation.
- Kristie Wang: Supports survivors through years of overnight crisis-line service and advocates for community and student well-being.
- Lisa Williams: Helps families obtain essential veterinary care for their pets through her hands-on leadership at Paws In Need.
- Margaretann Fortner: Coordinates care and builds the relationships that help CityServe clients navigate crises and find stability.
- Melanie Sadek: Champions animal welfare and brings her nonprofit experience to advocacy, fundraising, and community service.
- Rich Goldstein: Supports young people through Rotary and Ambassadors of Compassion with mentorship focused on resilience and hope.
- Shailaja Dixit: Leads Narika's culturally responsive work helping survivors move toward safety and independence.
Excellence in Impact: Budget Under $1M
- Fertile GroundWorks: Grows and shares fresh food while teaching gardening skills and supporting school gardens.
- Flourish Collective: Builds relationships and provides flexible support to organizations advancing racial equity.
- Las Positas College Foundation: Helps students succeed through scholarships, emergency assistance, and support for educational opportunity.
- Livermore Lab Foundation: Connects philanthropy with scientific research, education, and opportunities for emerging scientists.
- Paws In Need: Helps cats and dogs receive essential veterinary care when cost puts treatment out of reach.
- Z-Cares Foundation: Helps young people and families talk openly about mental health and connect with support.
Excellence in Impact: Budget Over $1M
- CityServe: Walks alongside Tri-Valley neighbors in crisis, coordinating care and connections to help them reach stability.
- Goodness Village: Combines permanent supportive housing with on-site care and community for people exiting homelessness.
- Hively: Connects families with childcare, financial assistance, health coverage, food resources, and other essentials.
- Spectrum Community Services: Helps older adults remain nourished, connected, and independent through Meals on Wheels and other support.