In 2018, the Optimal Aging Committee, a subcommittee of the VCAAA’s Advisory Council, established the LEGACY Awards to recognize the contributions of Ventura County residents who dedicate their lives to helping older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers, to live optimally.

The LEGACY Awards nomination period is closed.

Nominations may be made from June 1 to September 1, with the winners being announced in November.

Nomination categories are:
   – Business/Organization
   – Dementia Friendly Business/Organization
   – Community Member/Volunteer

VCAAA Legacy Awards logo

LEGACY began as a publication of the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging. It was established to highlight the life stories of residents throughout Ventura County who continue to make a difference in their community.

2025 LEGACY Award Recipients:
Business/Organization – Conejo Valley Village
Dementia Friendly Business/Organization – Country Harvest
Community Member/Volunteer – William Borkowski Jr.
Community Member/Volunteer – Rigel Diaz

2024 LEGACY Award Recipients:
Business/Organization – CAREGIVERS: Volunteers Assisting the Elderly
Dementia Friendly Business/Organization – Santa Clara Valley Hospice
Community Member/Volunteer – Marty Blumenthal
Community Member/Volunteer – Sylvia Fulton

2023 LEGACY Award Recipients:
Business/Organization – Chef David’s Kitchen & Catering
Dementia Friendly Business/Organization – Maywood Acres Healthcare
Community Member/Volunteer – George Lopez
Community Member/Volunteer – Andrea Ortiz

2022 LEGACY Award Recipients:
Business/Organization – Gables of Ojai
Dementia Friendly Business/Organization – Camarillo Health Care District
Community Member/Volunteer – Bill Cunneen

2021 LEGACY Award Recipients:
Business/Organization – Senior Concerns
Dementia Friendly Business/Organization – Ventura County Credit Union
Community Member/Volunteer – Valerie Shackelford

2020 LEGACY Award Recipients:
Business/Organization – SK Homecare Caregivers
Dementia Friendly Business/Organization – GO Access
Community Member/Volunteer – Paulette Ozar
Community Member/Volunteer – Martin Benedict Davis

2019 LEGACY Award Recipients:
Business/Organization – FOOD Share
Dementia Friendly Business/Organization – Senior Concerns
Community Member/Volunteer – Harlene Roen

2018 LEGACY Award Recipients:
Optimal Aging: Excellence in Media – Andrea Gallagher
Optimal Aging Innovation Award – Sue Tatangelo
Optimal Aging: Excellence as a Dementia Friendly Advocate – Dr. Erik Lande
Optimal Aging: Excellence in Advocacy and Leadership – Toni Olson
Optimal Aging Champions – Gordon and Louise Dilger

Archived LEGACY Publications/Links

» August 2016 – The Making of Mom and Dad

» March 2016 – Planting a Seed