CELEBRATING COMMUNITY CARE
NOMINATIONS ARE CLOSED FOR 2026. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUBMISSIONS!
Each year, Foothills Compassionate Care proudly presents the Dame Cicely Saunders Awards, named in honor of the founder of the modern hospice movement.
These prestigious awards recognize individuals and organizations who exemplify outstanding dedication, service, and compassion of Dame Cicely in caring for our community. Honorees embody the very heart of our mission—offering dignity, comfort, and support when it matters most.
NEW THIS YEAR! Dame Cicely Saunders Awards will be presented at our annual Moonlight Magic Gala, November 6 at Miners Foundry Cultural Center in Nevada City. (More info here)
Nominations for the 2026 Dame Cicely Saunders Awards are open through August 31, 2026. Please submit any individuals, community partners, impactful companies or exceptional volunteers you feel exemplify the vision of Dame Cicely Saunders and Foothills Compassionate Care.
Nomination Form: 2026 Dame Cicely Saunders Awards
Please submit your nomination for the 2026 Dame Cicely Saunders Awards below. Winners will be selected by committee in early September, and notified by September 30, 2026.
PAST DAME CICELY AWARD RECIPIENTS
2025
Claydon Geriatrics (Community Partner)
Tom Fitzsimmons (Community Partner)
Hal Arnstein, LVN (Care Provider)
Vicki Graham, RN (Care Provider)
2024
Drs. Denis and Barbara Drew
Pawnie’s Home Care (Melissa Jamison & Kristen Bardwell)
Sandy Blake
Karen Boyd-Sheehan
2023
Nancy Burrage
Heather Thorpe
Lorraine Plagge
Brandi Johnson
2022
Debe Wilson
Rev. Karyn Packard
Rebecca Wiles
2021
John Woodford (Individual)
Svenia Daniel (Caregiver)
Lori Burkart Frank (Community Partner)
2020
Horizon DME (Business)
The Robinson Family (Community Partner)
Sari Trunk, RN (Caregiver)
2019
Sierra Presbyterian Church (Community Partner)
The Leiter Family (Family)
Ann and Larry Minnich (Couple)
Donna Brown (Caregiver)
2018
Foothill Flowers – The Johnson Family (Business)
Dennis Fournier (Individual)
Janet Sisson (Caregiver)
2017
Hooper and Weaver – Ken and Kay Baker (Business)
Jon Blinder (Community Partner)
Karen Wood (Individual Award)
Frank and Vida Santos (Couple/Family Award)
Dan Curtin – (Caregiver)
2016
The Amaral Family (Family)
B&C Hardware and Home Center (Business)
Suzanne and Dick Reese (Couple)
Dr. Rene’ Kronland (Caregiver)
Dieter Juli (private awardee, not presented at the COC event)
Knights of Columbus (Community Partner)
2015
Chevron Humankind Fund (Business)
Hansen Bros. Enterprises (Community Partner)
Lynn & Camille Kerby – Kerby Family Charitable Fund (Family)
Suzanne Koliche, RN, CHPN (Caregiver)
The Hans George & Gertrude Maier Family (Family)
Nevada County Broadcasters – KNCO Radio (Community Partner)
2014
Alta Sierra Women’s Golf Club
Barbara Belmer
Elks Lodge 518 – Nevada City
Charles Fowler
Friends of Hospice
Leo and Gayle Granucci
The Timothy Kays Family
Marji Kerhart
Miranda Technologies & Employees
Dr. Holger and Linda Rasmussen
SPD & the Painter Family
Olga Thorson
Chuck and Betty Zavitz