MEDIA ALERT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Leila Dufurrena
Director of Philanthropy
The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County
[email protected]
Office: 805-543-2323 | Cell: 805-574-3445
Women’s Health Takes Center Stage at Women’s Legacy Fund Luncheon
Nearly 400 community members will gather to hear from nonprofit leaders addressing local health needs and raise funds for next year’s grants benefiting women and girls across SLO County.
WHAT:
Nearly 400 community members will gather Wednesday, Sept. 23, for the annual Women’s Legacy Fund Luncheon at Greengate Ranch. Hosted by the Women’s Legacy Fund (WLF), a fund of The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County, this year’s luncheon will spotlight women’s health, mental health and access to care in San Luis Obispo County.
A featured panel will bring together local nonprofit leaders working on the front lines of women’s health and wellness. They’ll share what they’re seeing in our community, the challenges women are facing and how philanthropy can help expand access to care and support.
The luncheon will also celebrate a record $125,000 awarded to six local nonprofit organizations in 2026 and raise funds for WLF’s 2027 grantmaking, supporting the next round of grants to organizations serving women and girls throughout San Luis Obispo County.
FEATURED PANEL:
Meghan Shoven, Director, Adventist Health Central Coast Foundation
Jill Bolster-White, Executive Director, Transitions-Mental Health Association
Barbara Alarcon, Executive Director, SLO Noor Foundation
Jenna Tosh, President and CEO, Planned Parenthood California Central Coast
Together, the panelists bring perspectives spanning physical health, mental health, reproductive health and access to care. Community leader and WLF Advisory Committee member Victoire Prothro will moderate the conversation.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
- Remarks from Christine Dawson, CFRE, CEO of The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County, on the history and impact of the Women’s Legacy Fund
- Recognition of WLF’s six 2026 nonprofit grantees
- Remarks from Charlene Rosales, WLF Advisory Committee member and former chair, on the power of collective giving
- A Nonprofit Resource Fair connecting attendees with local organizations serving women and girls
- An opportunity for attendees to support WLF’s next year of grantmaking
WHY IT MATTERS:
Founded in 2003 by 100 donors who each gave $1,000, the Women’s Legacy Fund has grown into a permanent endowment of more than $3 million dedicated to women and girls in San Luis Obispo County.
Guided by local data and community voices, WLF invests in organizations addressing critical needs including health and mental health, housing, childcare, economic security, education and safety.
WHEN:
Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026
11 a.m. — Reception and Nonprofit Resource Fair
Noon — Lunch
12:15-1:30 p.m. — Program
WHERE:
Greengate Ranch
San Luis Obispo County
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:
- Media are invited to attend. Interview, photography and video opportunities include:
- Featured panelists and nonprofit leaders addressing women’s health and access to care
- 2026 Women’s Legacy Fund grant recipients
- Women’s Legacy Fund and Community Foundation leadership
- Nonprofit Resource Fair, luncheon and program
SPONSORS:
The 2026 Women’s Legacy Fund Luncheon is made possible through the generous support of Adamski, Moroski, Madden, Cumberland & Green LLP, Adventist Health, Caliber Accounting Group, Corvus Wealth Advisors, Dignity Health French Hospital Medical Center, EP Wealth Advisors, Glenn Burdette, Lewis Financial, Mechanics Bank, Ryan M. Ross, DDS, Inc., SESLOC, Susan Rodriguez State Farm and West Coast Community Bank, along with additional community partners Dene Hurlbert, Grenda Ernst and Joan Gellert-Sargen.
About The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County
The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created by and for the people of San Luis Obispo County to support local charitable giving. Since 1998, The Community Foundation has awarded more than $80 million in grants and scholarships to nonprofit partners and local students and now manages more than $100 million in charitable assets. Through its grantmaking, scholarships and partnerships, the Foundation supports a vision for an inclusive, thriving and resilient community, providing support to all areas of the county in perpetuity. Learn more at cfsloco.org.
To download the media alert in pdf form click here.
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