Scotts Valley Chamber Annual Community Awards Winners Business of the Year
here is something special about a place that holds both history and heart, and Roaring Camp Railroads is exactly that. Founded in 1958 by F. Norman Clark with just twenty-five dollars and a dream, Roaring Camp was built Leatha Brown on a vision to bring California’s past to life and preserve the magic of its towering redwoods. That dream became a reality on April 6, 1963, when the first steam train departed from the historic Felton Station, a depot originally
built in 1880. Since then, Roaring Camp and the Santa Cruz, Big Trees & Pacific Railway have welcomed millions of visitors from around the world, offering not just train rides, but an experience that connects people to the beauty and history of our area, from the forest to the sea. But what truly makes Roaring Camp our Business of the Year is not only its legacy, but its unwavering commitment to community. From supporting local fire and first responders during emergencies, to opening its grounds during the CZU Lightning Complex fires, to delivering food to families in need of local nonprofits, festivals, and during the COVID era, Roaring fundraising efforts continues to Camp consistently shows up with strengthen the fabric of our region. generosity and care. Their support We are also incredibly grateful for the people behind the scenes who bring that spirit to life every day. Specifically, we love Leatha Brown, whose years of dedication and community involvement embody everything Roaring Camp stands for. She has worked tirelessly for both Roaring Camp and the Scotts Valley Chamber Ambassadors, who put on the awards Gala as well as all Chamber events. It is with genuine appreciation that we celebrate Roaring Camp as this year’s Business of the Year. We hope you will join us in honoring them, along with all our award recipients, at the annual Scotts Valley Community Awards Gala on Friday, May 8 at Bret Harte Hall, nestled within the redwoods at Roaring Camp. Tickets: scottsvalleychamber.com
Happy Easter!
Friday May 8
5–10 p.m. – Scotts Valley Community Awards Gala Roaring Camp Railroads – Bret Harte Hall 5401 Graham Hill Rd., Felton Tickets Required
Roaring Camp
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Calendar of Upcoming Community Events
Saturday August 15 Sunday August 16
Scotts Valley Art Wine & Beer Festival Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. –5 p.m. Skypark 361 Kings Village Road
Cheyanne Donald Diaz Ambassador of the Year
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heyanne Donald Diaz is the and talent for the greater good: behind-the-scenes creator creating art for chamber events, of White Rabbit Social Club. She donating art for fundraising, started with the Scotts Valley organizing the food court for the Chamber as the Art festival (no small feat). Wine & Beer Festival’s The list goes on and on. Poster Artist in 2023. Working with a By 2024 she was the group of people that festival’s Artist Chair, are amazing and hardbringing together a jury working makes it easier compiled of a diverse and enjoyable. Whether group of local artists to it’s creating something curate a festival that has art wise, or connecting something for everyone. Cheyanne Donald Diaz with others, it’s fun It’s a great fit for someone whose and exciting, and she’s up to the passions are taking care of artists, challenge. small businesses, and curating When it was announced that spaces that feel happy and alive. she had been voted Ambassador of Every year since, there’s the Year she said: ‘Are you sure this been more where Cheyanne has is for me, I don’t really feel like I do generously dedicated her passion that much.’ She does.
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