VISTA, CA – April 21, 2026) – Vista Resident Cindy Taylor, a long-time board member at Operation HOPE–North County (OHNC), received the Board’s Legacy Award during the nonprofit’s Hope in Full Bloom Spring Gala on March 28, 2026. Recognized for more than 16 years of board service and 20 years volunteerism in total with OHNC, she was also honored by Deputy Mayor Dan O’Donell from the City of Vista who officially proclaimed March 28th as “Cindy Taylor Day.” Taylor expressed her heartfelt gratitude upon receiving the award, “It has been a beautiful experience to walk side-by-side with others who support the organization in a myriad of ways because collaboration is at the heart of our commitment to OHNC. I am grateful to the Staff and Board of Directors who have entrusted me to be a part of their leadership.”
“Cindy’s impact is woven into every part of our community. She has touched the lives of our clients, staff, alumni, and donors while building strong relationships with public officials, helping to raise millions of dollars, and providing thoughtful oversight, expertise, and care to the organization,” says Esperanza Zapico, Executive Director at OHNC. “If you know Cindy, you know the feeling – her presence has a way of making you feel truly seen, valued, and cared for. Her compassion is contagious, her wisdom runs deep, and her spirit inspires everyone around her. Cindy doesn’t just support this work – she embodies HOPE in her words, her actions, and her genuine, unwavering desire to be of service.”
The gala’s keynote speaker was San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan. Her presence grounded the evening in the realities that so many families in our region face each day, reminding us that behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a story. She echoed the powerful words of Nelson Mandela: “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.” Together, these reflections reinforced the urgency of this work and the importance of coming together as a community to create pathways to safety, stability, and healing.
In addition to Taylor, six others were honored and recognized as champions for OHNC.
Winners include:
Staff Champion – Sonia Cortez, Case Manager
Volunteer Champion – Mary Browne, Pantry Volunteer
Volunteer Champion – Alexis Lozano, Youth Program Volunteer
Community Champion – Jim Polis, North Park Produce
Community Champions – Lyssa and Jack Flaherty, Vista Skatepark Coalition
Guests also appreciated hearing from two OHNC graduates who shared their personal success stories of hope and resilience. Because of the generosity of attendees, the Hope in Full Bloom event raised more than $50,000 that will directly support families as they work toward stability and independence.
As Zapico said that evening, “Operation HOPE–North County is not just an organization; we are a community-powered force, rooted in compassion, strengthened by connection, and driven by people in our community who show up, give back, and believe in what is possible. Together, we are opening doors, restoring lives, and ensuring that HOPE continues to grow.”
Operation HOPE-North County is one of the only family shelters in North County. Given their sober living environment, created to keep families safe, they are not eligible for federal funding. They rely heavily on individual donors and local foundations to keep their doors open. If you would like to support the efforts of OHNC, please consider making a donation In honor of Cindy Taylor: https://givebutter.com/In-Honor-Of-Cindy-Taylor
OHNC is also in the middle of its current Spring campaign entitled “Fund-a-Need” with a goal of raising $15,000. Donors can select specific items and services you’d like to fund. Visit https://givebutter.com/c/OHNC-Fund-a-Need for details.
