The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) has announced the winners of its inaugural Champions of Home Impact Awards, recognizing California real estate professionals who have made a significant impact on their communities through volunteer efforts.
The winner, Kay Wilson-Bolton, has been a dedicated advocate for the homeless in Santa Paula for over 15 years. She started her work in 2008 after witnessing the tragic death of a homeless man on Christmas Eve. Wilson-Bolton, who serves as the acting director and CFO of the homelessness services organization Spirit of Santa Paula, spearheaded the creation of a hot meal program that now serves 600 meals weekly. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she led the organization in establishing a mega-food pantry, providing sustenance to thousands of people each month.
Wilson-Bolton’s tireless efforts extended to securing funding and partners for a family shelter, case management services, food rescue initiatives, and food pantry programs. Through her leadership, a grant from Cal Recycle funded the purchase of two refrigerator trucks, enabling the organization to rescue 2 million pounds of food annually. The state of California also awarded Spirit of Santa Paula a $1.5 million grant, thanks to Wilson-Bolton’s advocacy, for the construction of a new shelter wing that will include offices, classrooms, case management services, and additional bathrooms and showers. As a result of her remarkable work, Spirit of Santa Paula will receive a $5,000 donation.
Two other individuals, Elizabeth K. Uribe and Mary Jane Cambria, were also honored for their exceptional community service. Both honorees will see their respective organizations receive a $1,000 donation.
Elizabeth K. Uribe serves as a board member for The Living Room, a transitional housing and care center for women and children in Sonoma County. Over the past 12 years, Uribe has played a pivotal role in fundraising efforts, securing over $870,000 for The Living Room. She has also been instrumental in obtaining permits and overseeing renovations that allowed the organization to expand its capacity from housing six women to 34 women and their children today.
Mary Jane Cambria, president of the board and founding member of Homeownership OC, a housing counseling agency, has dedicated hundreds of hours over 20 years to various initiatives. She has been instrumental in conducting foreclosure prevention workshops, homebuyer education seminars, and real estate scam educational workshops, helping countless individuals resolve housing issues and navigate complex real estate scams. Cambria’s dedication has empowered thousands of people to stay in their homes.
The three honorees will be recognized at C.A.R.’s annual REimagine! Conference & Expo in Long Beach, California on September 25th. C.A.R. President Melanie Barker expressed her pride in recognizing these individuals, stating, “The extraordinary efforts and unwavering compassion demonstrated by Kay, Elizabeth, and Mary Jane have profoundly impacted their communities. Their dedication to helping others sets a remarkable example.”
The Champions of Home Impact Awards highlight the dedication of California real estate professionals to making a positive difference in their communities. The awards serve as a testament to the power of individuals to create lasting change and improve the lives of others.
