Community Impact Award Honoring:

2020 Honoree: Kathy Allavie

Kathy Allavie has been a lifelong supporter and champion of the Arts. Her investment in the Arts stretches from her teaching years at Immanuel Lutheran Preschool to spearheading the Ghost Walk in Riverside, which is in its 30th year; to bringing the dynamic and unforgettable “Big Orange” project that we all loved and displayed proudly in our businesses and overseeing the “Fun Ball Float” at Fairmount park. Allavie continues her dedicated work to Art and Culture in Riverside. Allavie has proven that her love for creativity and Riverside has no limit. As Riverside Unified School District (RUSD) Board of Education members, Allavie and Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson brought Riverside Arts Academy to RUSD schools. Without Allavie, this would not have been possible. RAA gratefully acknowledges Kathy as a strong advocate for Arts Education in the Riverside community.

2021 Honoree: Assemblymember Jose Medina

Assemblymember Jose Medina has been a familiar face in Riverside for decades. Once a beloved teacher at Riverside Poly High school, Assemblymember Medina has become a leader in the State Assembly, staying true to his calling by advocating for higher education and facilitating funding for the Riverside region. Medina worked tirelessly to garner support at the state level to bring funds to construct the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture, which has added vibrancy to Downtown Riverside. It is equally important to acknowledge his role and advocacy for the historic Harada House, which has solidified the role of Riverside’s settlers who played an important part in the development of the city. RAA salutes Assemblymember Medina as a true public servant who has embraced and served the community.

2021 Honoree: Northgate Gonzalez Market Family

The story of the Don Miguel family is legendary. It exemplifies the American dream. Miguel’s sheer determination and aspirations for a better future for his 13 children empowered the family to open the first Northgate Gonzalez Market in Anaheim in 1980. The family was not financially able to change the sign of the market, so the “Northgate Gonzalez Market” was born. In Riverside, there are a number of organizations, including RAA, that have been a recipient of the family’s generosity. During the COVID-19 school closures, Northgate Gonzalez Market donated 75 backpacks filled with school supplies to RAA students. Northgate has also supported RAA and many schools monetarily through past event sponsorship.

Teresa Blanco, Director of Community Relations and Wellness for Northgate Gonzalez Market, has acted as a wonderful community liaison during the pandemic, even offering to do healthy eating courses for RAA families. The Riverside community has been enriched by the commitment and benevolence of this family-owned community business that believes the health of a community is evident by the physical, social and emotional wellbeing of the children. RAA thanks the Northgate Gonzalez Market Family for their generosity and is honored to have them as community partners.