Distinguished Benefactors Awards Dinner 2009

In addition to the services SEBA provides to its members, the Association also supports and sponsors a number of charities and events which help children in need. These charities, however, would not be possible without the generous support of local benefactors. SEBA honored these "Distinguished Benefactors" at an event in their honor on Saturday, October 24, 2009.

"Our 4th Annual Distinguished Benefactor Awards dinner was a great success," SEBA President William Abernathie said. "SEBA was able to honor several individuals and groups that have been instrumental in supporting our Charity Fund during the past several years. It is these people who make it possible for SEBA to support so many worthwhile causes throughout the year. With the support of all of our friends, next year's event will be even bigger and better!"

This year's honorees included: The Honorable Gloria Negrete McLeod, Senator 32nd District; the Honorable Bill Emmerson, Assemblyman 63rd District; The Honorable John Futch, Trustee San Bernardino Community College Board of Trustees; The Honorable Dennis Michael, Rancho Cucamonga City Councilman; Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians; Mr. & Mrs. George and Pauline "Dimples" Murillo; Mimi Song, President Mimi Song Realty; and the San Manuel Department of Public Safety.

More than 300 people attended the event, held at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino. Attendees included more than 25 elected state, local and tribal officials. The evening raised more than $100,000.

The evening began with a welcome from SEBA President William Abernathie. The pledge of allegiance was led by Michael Ramos, San Bernardino County District Attorney. The invocation was then led by James Ramos, President San Bernardino Community College Board of Trustees and Chairman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. Event attendees were entertained by Zanja 8, The Best of Everything Band, and Barela.

The SEBA Charity Fund is a 501(c)3 charity that supports a wide variety of worthy causes and events for underprivileged children throughout the Inland Empire. Throughout the 2008-2009 year over 80 non-profit organizations and/or events received financial support. A few of those include Explorers Scouts, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Rodeo, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Children's Assessment Center, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, Lighthouse for the Blind, YMCA, AYSO, Shop With A Cop, For Kids Sake, American Heart Association, Breast Cancer Research, Make A Wish, Debbie Chisholm Memorial Foundation, a group that grants wishes for ill children, and numerous youth athletic programs.

The tribute evening was made possible thanks to many sponsors, who through their generosity helped to make this evening a great success. Sponsors for the evening included: Alta Loma Assisted Living, Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs, Executive Fitness & Martial Arts, San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Chairman Gary Ovitt, GFE Coffee House, San Bernardino County 1st District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, 2nd District Supervisor Paul Biane, San Bernardino County 3rd District Supervisor Neil Derry, San Bernardino County 5th District Supervisor Josie Gonzales, Maria & Armando "Tommy" Ramos, Mimi Song Realty, Mitsubishi Cement, Morongo Band of Mission Indians, NESTLE, Pacific Premier Bank, Pepito's Mexican Restaurant, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Council, Silver, Hadden, Silver Wexler & Levine, McGuire Brothers Enterprises, Matich Corporation, Southern California Edison, Yum Yum's Restaurant, San Bernardino County Sheriff Rod Hoops and San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael Ramos. Those receiving special recognition at the awards show included our Presenting sponsor San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, our Title Sponsor Mr. and Mrs. James and Rowena Ramos, Dinner Sponsor Ms. Alaina Mathews and our Entertainment Sponsor Mr. and Mrs. James and Terri Ramos.