Casa Pacifica is grateful to the many volunteers who donate their time to support the children, young adults and families we serve. Volunteers provide positive role models, broaden perspectives and create opportunities for growth and joy.
Our on-campus volunteer program offers unique ways to make a difference, from hosting children’s parties and fundraising events as Angel Volunteers to assisting with group projects and campus maintenance. Each year, we honor an Angel of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Community Volunteer of the Year.
Volunteers are essential to Casa Pacifica, helping us provide special experiences and lifelong memories for the children and youth in our care. Thank you for giving your time and talents to make a lasting impact!
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