On Friday, April 14th, the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the city’s movers and shakers at the annual Community Awards Gala at Roaring Camp Railroads’ Brett Harte Hall from 5-10pm.
In addition to live music and live auctions, attendees will hear stories from candidates who are helping make Scotts Valley a great place to live and work.
Danny Leiber, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, shared the hard work and community bond that pushed each candidate to the top of their category. Some of the award winners are listed below.
Chamber Ambassador of the Year: Tobin Shaeffer
Tobin Shaeffer is a real estate agent for Intero Real Estate Services and Intero Commercial Real Estate. Tobin’s primary focus is Santa Cruz County, helping clients sell, buy and lease real estate. His clients enjoy his integrity, professionalism and commitment to the community.
After serving in the US Navy from 1988 to 1992, Tobin settled in Santa Cruz to live closer to his family. He graduated from his college in Cabrillo and raised his children in Santa Cruz.
Originally a volunteer at the Scotts Valley Arts, Wine and Beer Festival, Tobin joined the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce and became a Chamber Ambassador. He has been chairman of the festival’s beer committee since 2019.
Tobin is also a luthier and has been building acoustic guitars since 1993. He started his work at the Santa Cruz Guitar Company, after which he studied at the English Violins and eventually created his own designs.
Man of the Year: Roger Snyder
Roger Snyder and his wife Michele were always active at their four daughters’ schools. Roger spent his fifth year in Yosemite in his sixth year of science, where he acted as a chaperone at his camp, and for providing funds to rebuild a middle school and raise teachers’ salaries because he passed three local bills. I worked for
Roger has served on the Scotts Valley Board of Education since 2016. During his two years as chairman, he led schools through Covid-19 challenges and began to address diversity issues. He currently serves on the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belongings (DEIB) Steering Committee to continue this important work.
Roger also led the Countywide Trustee Association for two years, facilitating countywide communication and collaboration. Roger attended the California Board of Education (CSBA) delegates meeting in 2020 to advocate for better funding for schools. He met with state and federal representatives to advocate the need for special education funding reform.
Why is Roger so passionate about public education? “If we can teach our students to be compassionate and curious about the world and the people around them, they will reduce divisions, solve problems, and transform us all. We can lead to a kinder and better world,” he said.
Woman of the Year: Kendra Kanegard
Kendra Kannegaard is a proud achievement of the Scotts Valley School District and loved her time there so much that she decided to pursue a career there.
After graduating from SVHS in 2012, Kendra began working as an after-school theater director in high school, which ignited her love of teaching and became her true calling. She attended her college in Cabrillo, where she obtained her A.A. in Dramatic Arts. She then transferred to San Jose State University, where she also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dramatic Arts, after which she earned her English Teaching Certificate.
I am in my fifth year as a drama teacher at Scotts Valley High School, my third year as a freshman English teacher, and my eleventh year as a theater production director. Every day she is grateful to have the best job in her world and to be surrounded by wonderful, kind, motivated and talented students.
In addition to teaching, Kendra is a board member of the Scotts Valley Community Theater Guild and a member of the Scotts Valley ADA Board. Last summer, she married her high school sweetheart, Luke, whom she met at her first drama audition on SVHS.
Claire Hodgin Beautification Award: Scotts Valley Community Theater Guild
Ten years ago, longtime Scotts Valley resident, performing arts enthusiast and theater operator Lee Besse founded the Scotts Valley Community Theater Guild (SVCTG) to bring together a diverse group of enthusiasts. .
Shortly after its creation, SVCTG embarked on an epic adventure. This is comparable to the legendary and noble quest of Don Quixote, de la Mancha.
With the help of hundreds of volunteers, contractors and financial support from Scotts Valley citizens, SVCTG has overcome countless challenges and conquered many windmills. This included demolition and conversion of the space into a professional theater, featuring 264 velor seats from the Bellagio Hotel. A square-foot stage from Arizona State University, and three technical operations towers. Navigate regulations and city concerns, manage building progress through the pandemic, and keep Cal Fire available for space during the 2020 fires.
Reber is thrilled to showcase the best Scotts Valley has to offer at this year’s gala.
“I am in awe and inspiration when I hear the incredible achievements and contributions this year’s honorees have made to Scotts Valley. , it’s a real honor to celebrate,” said Reber.
The gala will feature a live auction hosted by local celebrity Cheryl Revotaro and convened by Kevin Andersen. This year’s theme is “Back to the Future,” and participants can dress up in whatever age they like.
Between Swatch watches, go-go boots, and bare chest hair, Gala should be one for any age.
Want to see Scotts Valley’s brightest and brightest honored for their contributions to the community? Mark your calendars for Friday 14th April and visit https://scottsvalleychamber.com/visit-scotts-valley/awards-gala/ Purchasing admission tickets, drinks and raffle prizes.
