Our Past & Current Projects:
Avila Beach Public Art Project II:
- In October 2019, the Avila Beach Community Foundation and the Central Coast Aquarium unveiled the public art murals, Avila Beach Ocean Stewardship, Past and Present by local artist and muralist Colleen Gnos. This is the second work of art commissioned for public placement by the Foundation in response to community interest in the arts, and to further enhance the beauty and character of Downtown Avila Beach. Thanks to the 55 donors who helped make this project possible, with special appreciation for pacesetter contributions by San Luis Obispo County District 3 Supervisor Adam Hill, Chevron, PG&E, the Sara Horne Art Fund, Marty & Mary Berry, David & Vicki Book, Jim Sargen, Archie McLaren, and the Avila Beach Community Foundation Board of Trustees.
- In February 2019, the Avila Beach Community Foundation hosted the Avila Community Spotlight. The event featured the Avila Beach based non-profit organizations, public agencies and neighborhood groups that help our community thrive and provided information about local volunteer opportunities. The event also celebrated the recipients of the "Avilones of Distinction" Awards. The winners, who were honored for their efforts to help make Avila Beach a wonderful place to live through the categories of Leadership, Volunteerism and Philanthropy were: Anne Brown for Leadership, Sherri Danoff for Volunteerism, and Joan Sargen for Philanthropy.
- Over 100 "Avilones" joined us for the 1st ever "sold-out" Avila Beach Storytelling Night in October of 2017. It was a great evening with lots of fond memories/stories shared by past & current Avila residents about the "good old days". Storytellers included Archie McLaren, Kirt Collins, Denny Wheeler, Pete Kelley, Saro Rizzo, Jean Nanney, Hardie Phillips, Lucy and Colleen Gnos, Dick Kelsey, Mike Harkness and Howard Nicholson. Click here to view the stories shared. The night also featured a showing of "The Storied Past of Avila Beach" short film that first premiered at the 2017 SLO Film Fest. The film was produced through a grant provided by the Foundation. The event was made possible due to the help of sponsors County Supervisor Adam Hill and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
- In April of 2016 the Foundation hosted a Community Workshop at which approximately 45 key leaders in the Avila Beach area gathered to collaborate and brainstorm a “short list” of projects and to identify which community leaders would be willing to support each of the projects presented. The input from the workshop is valuable info for the Avila Beach Community Foundation to consider as they determine future Foundation projects.
- In 2015 the Foundation, with assistance from ARTS Obispo, launched an RFP for a Public Art Project in Downtown Avila Beach. The winning artist Collen Gnos painted a series of murals reflecting Avila's past and present that were installed on two Avila Beach Lifeguard Towers in February 2016. With the help of the local community the Foundation hopes to launch future Public Art projects to help add to the beauty and character of Avila.
- In response to community interest, the Foundation hosted a free Internet Safety Workshop in 2016. The workshop was hosted by Foundation trustee Gary Maier and one of his colleagues. Participants received valuable information on how to protect their computers from identity theft and malware as well as tips on safe internet browsing.
- Organized by the Foundation in October, 2014, the ABCF brought together the local apple growing community, non-profits, and a host of volunteers for a Farm to Table Dinner at Avila Valley Barn and a downtown Vendor Fair. Both events were a huge success bringing in folks as far as Idaho, LA, and the Bay area for a fun, family oriented weekend in Avila Beach and Avila Valley. The event continues on an annual basis under the leadership of the Avila Beach Civic Association.
- Avila Beach Community Foundation united local County leaders, local business partners and donors to fund much needed trash receptacles for our beachside boardwalks.
- Held in the Spring of 2012, the History and Heritage event featured local historians presenting on a variety of historical topics including the fishing industry, early Avila families, the Chumash, and Diablo. Planning is underway for the second event in the historical series. Click here to view our Historical Avila Photo Gallery.
- Held in February of 2011 and May of 2015. Organized by Foundation Trustee Julian Varela. The Symposium featured an impressive lineup of presenters on topics such as wellness, nutrition, fitness and caring, and included a delicious healthy meal.
- Thanks to $5,000 donations by each of four Initiative partners - PG&E, Old Custom House, Chevron and the Avila Beach Foundation - a $20,000 fund was established to match dollar for dollar individual gifts between the amount of $50-$200 to Avila based organizations and projects. Through its success $42,000 was invested into local projects and programming.
- The Foundation has hosted Town Hall Forums to help inform residents about current events, operational or commercial development projects underway and upcoming in the future, and the related possible impacts of each on the Avila Beach Communities,