Carol Anders, vice president of the Allan Hancock College board of trustees, recently donated the $1,000 cash award she received for being voted Santa Ynez Valley "Woman of the Year" to two local nonprofit organizations. Anders gave $500 to the Allan Hancock College Foundation scholarship program and $500 to People Helping People (PHP).

Mrs. Carol Anders, Vice President
Allan Hancock College Board of Trustee

Each year the Santa Ynez Valley Foundation teams with the Santa Ynez Valley News to co-sponsor the annual Man and Woman of the Year event. Each winner receives a $1,000 cash award from the foundation.

Anders requested her award be split between the college foundation and People Helping People. At her request, the Allan Hancock College Foundation has set aside a scholarship for a Santa Ynez Valley student. The AHC Foundation, which awarded more than $250,000 in scholarships to Hancock students last year, will present Anders' scholarship, as well as others, May 24 at the Allan Hancock College Scholarship Banquet.

"I was glad to have the opportunity to recognize and assist a local student in his or her academic pursuit at Allan Hancock College," said Anders. "I'm glad the award money will continue to support our valley."

Anders, founder and former board president of the Santa Ynez Valley-based nonprofit, People Helping People, asked that the other $500 be used to support one of the organization's many programs—Community Health Access Resource Team (CHART). CHART assists local citizens – who are uninsured and do not qualify for government aid due to income or other reasons –to obtain quality health care via doctors, dentists and psychologists. The program also furnishes assistance with x-ray, prescription and lab expenses.

Anders has been a member of the Allan Hancock College Board of Trustees since May 1998 and currently serves as vice president. A registered nurse and past director of health care services at Solvang Lutheran Home, she has held many elected and volunteer posts ranging from Red Cross RN volunteer to mayor of Solvang.