MONTEREY COUNTY — Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC) Board of Directors presented the Distinguished Trustee Award to Tonya Antle during the annual Celebration of Philanthropy on Oct. 1 at The Club at Pasadera.
Antle was recognized for the passion and commitment she brings to everything she does, particularly for building powerful philanthropic resources for causes close to her heart. She is a long-time member of the CFMC’s Women’s Fund Advisory Council, served on the CFMC board from 2011-16, became a donor advised fund holder, along with her late husband, Rick, and is a CFMC Legacy Society Member.
Her philanthropic journey with the Community Foundation began in 2010, when she attended her first Women’s Fund event, a field of interest fund of the CFMC. When she heard a panel of high school girls from Greenfield sharing their goals, she immediately asked, “How can I help?” She made a remarkable impact, bringing her energy, talent and heart to build the event from a small breakfast to a packed luncheon of nearly 600 supporters.
As chair of the Women’s Fund Endowment Campaign, she helped grow the endowment to more than $2.1 million. The Women’s Fund has granted more than $2.7 million, including over $500,000 in scholarships.
Her impact extends far beyond the CFMC with volunteer commitments. She serves on the boards of The Panetta Institute for Public Policy, Carmel Woman’s Club and the Morse Foundation at Monterey Peninsula Country Club and is a mentor and guest lecturer at Cal Poly school of Ag and the CSUMB school of Business.
Her leadership has been recognized both locally and nationally with the Women in Produce Achievement Award, Ag Woman of the Year Award, Ag Against Hunger Award, Brighter Bites Philanthropy Award and the United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2023, Girls Inc. created the Tonya Antle Visionary Award in her honor.
As the Distinguished Trustee recipient, Antle designated a $10,000 CFMC grant to the nonprofits of her choice. She presented checks for $5,000 each to Ron Johnson, president and CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Monterey County, and Patty Fernandez-Torres, executive director of Girls Inc.
“Tonya has a gift of casting a bold vision and inspiring others to join her to create greater good,” said CFMC Board Chair Elsa Mendoza Jimenez. “Our community is better off for the joy she brings to her philanthropy and giving spirit.”
In addition, the CFMC nominated Tonya Antle as its Distinguished Agency Honoree for the Central Coast National Philanthropy Day celebration, which was hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Monterey Bay Chapter on Nov. 14.
