2026-2027 VOMCF Scholarship Program: Empowering futures through opportunity.
On August 6th, 2026, the VOMCF and community members united to celebrate our scholarship recipients in a moment of great achievement. The 20th VOMCF Scholarship Luncheon unfolded at the stunning La Crema Winery/Richard's Grove, where we proudly recognized 43 remarkable students who received their scholarship certificates. This year, we awarded 43 scholarships, amounting to an inspiring total of $162,500.00. In our first year, we supported 6 students with $9,000.00 in scholarships, and today, we celebrate having awarded 512 scholarships, cumulatively reaching an extraordinary $1,824,500.00.
Special Guest: Dianne Edwards
Dianne Edwards, the former director of the Sonoma County Human Services Department, established the scholarship program in 2006. When she retired, Edwards asked her friends to contribute to a scholarship fund instead of giving her retirement gifts. Their generosity created a scholarship program that has continued to grow with support from individuals and businesses throughout the county.
VOMCF Board of Directors, President Laura Colgate
During the celebration of the scholarship program's amazing 20-year history, Board President Laura Colgate captivated the audience with heartfelt remarks, reflecting on the program's significant impact over the years. Her passion for empowering students was evident as she shared inspiring stories of past scholarship recipients who have gone on to achieve incredible things. With a warm and welcoming presence, Laura entertained the guests, creating a joyful atmosphere while seamlessly introducing our esteemed guest speakers, who further enriched the event with their insights and experiences.
Pictured is Guest Speaker Marcy Carriker Smothers, who is a long-time VOMCF Supporter and Author.
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Scholar Smiles
Board member Nick Honey and Valley of the Moon Program Development Manager Meg Easter-Dawson recently presented the VOMCF scholarship certificates to several deserving recipients. During this impactful event, we also recognized the students' achievements with a Certificate of Recognition from California Senator Mike McGuire's office. This recognition highlights the Valley of the Moon community's commitment to supporting education and encourages scholarship recipients to keep pursuing their academic and personal goals. The day was filled with smiles and a sense of achievement, celebrating the hard work and dedication of both the students and the supporting community.
2026-2027 Named Scholarship Donors
Alan Hendricks Music for Life
Cha Cha's Sonoma County
Charlotte Granderson
David and Laura Robertson
Dharma Cloud
District Five Sonoma County and Supervisor Lynda Hopkins
District Two Sonoma County and Supervisor David Rabbitt
Earla Snow Trust
Entrepreneur Spirit Scholarship
Gabriel S. Lobato
George C Forrester
In memory of Gary Mordue
Joe and Jen Castro
John and Barb Vernon
John and Dianne M. Edwards
John F "Jack" DeMeo
John Jordan Foundation
Juanita Rivas Colin
Junior League Napa Sonoma
Kevin and Karen Destruel
Laura Colgate and Ty Visscher
The Sandy Torgerson Trust
Tom & Julie Atwood Cypress Abbey
Tom & Julie Atwood - Halter Project
Willette K. and Willette E. Stevenson Fund
If you would like more information about becoming a Named Scholarship donor or are interested in the VOMCF Mission supporting Foster Youth in Sonoma County, please contact:
Christy Colgate, Director of Programs
Email: ccolgate@vomcf.org
Phone: 707-888-4621
VOMCF Website: www.vomcf.org