The Aptos Chamber of Commerce will honor business owners, volunteers and community organizations at its annual Awards Dinner and Auction on Nov. 13 at Seascape Beach Resort. The event begins at 5 p.m. at 1 Seascape Resort Drive. Tickets are $150. Reservations are available at 831-688-1467 or aptoschamber.com.
The awards recognize leadership, service and contributions to community life, from supporting businesses to creating opportunities for children.
Woman of the Year
Lisa Cardoza
Lisa Cardoza is being honored for her involvement in nonprofit organizations, charitable causes and community groups throughout Aptos. She serves on the advisory board and volunteers at camps for Ride a Wave, which provides beach experiences for children with disabilities. She also serves with Friends of Hospice, which supports Hospice of Santa Cruz County.
The chamber cited Cardoza’s support for local businesses and her willingness to contribute time, resources and connections to people needing help.
Her work reaches numerous other philanthropic and community organizations. In announcing the award, the chamber recognized both the breadth of her involvement and her dedication to helping others.
Man of the Year
Kendel White
Kendel White’s landscaping business began with a $100 truck and lawn equipment purchased on credit. In 1986, White was a 22-year-old chef at Pajaro Dunes, newly married and thinking about supporting a family. He bought the resort’s rusted-out 1978 Chevrolet, charged a mower, blower and weed trimmer to a credit card and began mowing lawns after his kitchen shifts. He charged $60 a month per yard.
Forty years later, the business he co-founded with Dawn White has grown into K&D Landscaping Inc. Headquartered in the Pajaro Valley, the company employs more than 160 people and serves commercial and residential customers from south San Jose to San Luis Obispo.
White’s sales philosophy is straightforward: “Quit trying to sell people stuff. Just try to help them.”
White now mentors future company leaders and supports schools, nonprofits and youth athletics.
Business of the Year
The Farm Bakery & Gifts
The Farm Bakery & Gifts is being recognized for more than 40 years of food, hospitality and community involvement in Aptos. Offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and a gift shop, the business serves residents and visitors while providing a gathering place for friends, families and celebrations.
The chamber also cited The Farm’s charitable work in Aptos and surrounding communities. The business supports Second Harvest Food Bank, contributes to local businesses and participates in community events.
Its owners provide local employment and have supported community activities for many years. The award recognizes those contributions alongside the business’s role as a familiar place to share meals and mark special occasions.
Organization of the Year
Ride a Wave
Ride a Wave has helped more than 2,500 children with disabilities experience the ocean through outings provided entirely free of charge, according to the chamber.
For nearly three decades, its volunteers, supporters and partners have helped children ride waves and enjoy safe days at the beach.
The program gives participants opportunities to build confidence, discover abilities and connect with others. Children, organizations and individuals participate without paying fees.
The chamber recognized Ride a Wave’s commitment to inclusion and its work creating experiences children might not otherwise have.
Beyond time in the water, the organization helps participants make memories and feel welcome in a shared community activity.
Community Heroes
Mark and Mariann Eichhorn
Mark and Mariann Eichhorn are being honored for decades of teaching and coaching young people through baseball, music and cotillion classes.
Mariann has more than 40 years of experience teaching dance, piano and voice. Her students perform community service recitals at assisted living facilities, connecting young musicians with older residents.
Mark’s 20-year professional baseball career included two World Series championships. He later coached Aptos Little League, its Little League World Series team and Aptos High School baseball, along with summer camps and private lessons.
Together, they teach dining etiquette, social courtesies and ballroom dancing to teens and preteens while helping students build confidence.
Other Honorees
The Seascape Golf Club Centennial will receive Event of the Year for its yearlong anniversary celebration. Kaiser Permanente will receive Outstanding Achievement for health care and community health work.
Community Recognition Awards will honor former chamber President Dave Lompa for business support and volunteer service, and Pajaro Valley Unified School District Superintendent Heather Contreras for educational leadership and community partnerships.