By Antioch Chamber of Commerce

During the Antioch Chamber of Commerce’s annual Gala, held Friday night, March 27, 2026, S.H.A.R.E. Community was honored as the 2025 Antioch Non-Profit of the Year. S.H.A.R.E. stands for Sharing Hope, Abundance, Resources and Encouragement.

S.H.A.R.E. Community is a remarkable nonprofit organization dedicated to serving unhoused neighbors in our community. Their programs provide mobile showers, hygiene kits, and laundry vouchers, offering individuals an opportunity to feel confident again and helping to restore a sense of dignity that is often lost during times of homelessness.

“We’re super excited to be chosen Non-Profit of the Year for 2025 by the Antioch Chamber of Commerce,” said, Executive Director Ricka Davis-Sheard who was presented with a commemorative plaque by Chamber Chair Jim Becker.

Founded in 2019 with a mission centered on sharing hope, resources, abundance, and encouragement, S.H.A.R.E.  Community has become a lifeline for many. They work in partnership with a wide range of local agencies, including hair salons, pet food providers, veteran support services, and mental health organizations, ensuring that the needs of their clients are met in a holistic and compassionate way.

SHARE Community has provided over 9,000 showers and distributed 18,000 hygiene kits to individuals experiencing homelessness. Many participants in the program have gone on to secure stable housing and have returned as volunteers, creating a full-circle transformation that exemplifies the organization’s profound impact.

Despite operating with a small budget and limited resources, SHARE Community continues to expand its services and outreach, fueled by the dedication of its volunteers and the support of the local community. Their tireless efforts not only address immediate needs but also inspire hope, foster resilience, and empower individuals to reclaim their confidence and independence.

S.H.A.R.E. Community is more than a nonprofit—they are a beacon of compassion, demonstrating that with care, creativity, and community support, meaningful change is possible for some of the most vulnerable members of society.

See video about S.H.A.R.E. Community’s work by Executive Director Davis-Sheard. For more information visit www.thesharecommunity.com.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

“We’re one of the very last brick and mortar travel agencies” – Tammy Larsen, owner

By Antioch Chamber of Commerce

During the Antioch Chamber of Commerce’s annual Gala, Friday night, March 27, 2026, Almost There Travel was recognized as the 2025 Antioch Small Business of the Year, an honor that reflects their dedication to exceptional service, personalized travel experiences and meaningful community impact.

This award is a testament to the passion and hard work of owner Tammy Larsen and her team, who go above and beyond to help clients explore the world with ease, creativity, and care. Their commitment to excellence has earned the trust and loyalty of their clients, making every journey not just a trip, but an unforgettable experience.

Beyond their success in the travel industry, Almost There Travel plays a vital role in the local community. They proudly offer annual Chamber Travel discount trips, making travel more accessible to community members. The owners are actively involved in the revitalization of downtown Antioch and are strong supporters of local events.

Their dedication extends even further through volunteering their time to help plan and coordinate community events, ensuring they are well-organized, engaging, and well-attended. Their generosity also includes providing travel discounts to support and give back to the community they serve.

Almost There Travel, located at 506 W. 2nd Street, truly embodies what it means to be a small business with a big impact, and this recognition is well deserved.

“Our passion is travel. We love to travel, ourselves. Please come visit us. We’re one of the very last brick and mortar travel agencies,” said Larsen. “So, come down to Rivertown. Just stop in. It doesn’t cost you anything. Thank you.”

See video of Tammy Larsen’s speech during the Gala Awards ceremony.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Deer Valley High Senior Class President also presented with $1,500 scholarship by local Rotary Clubs

By Antioch Chamber of Commerce

During the Antioch Chamber of Commerce’s annual Gala, Friday night, March 27, 2026, Amanda Brown was honored as Antioch’s 2025 Youth of the Year.

She is an exceptional student whose dedication, leadership, and passion for service truly set her apart. As senior class president at Deer Valley High School, she plays a pivotal role in planning and executing student activities, earning a reputation as a dependable leader and trusted mentor among her peers.

Amanda has become the school’s premier Master of Ceremonies for large events. Last year during the Deer Valley High School Special Olympics, she emceed the event with remarkable compassion, high energy, making every participant feel valued and celebrated. Her skill, poise and heart for service have made her the go-to emcee, admired for bringing joy and professionalism to every occasion.

Beyond her leadership at school, Amanda actively contributes to the community. She teaches cooking classes and leads youth enrichment activities at the Antioch Recreation Center, inspiring younger students and fostering a positive, supportive environment. Her dedication to helping others, combined with her excellent attendance, academic achievement and strong work ethic, demonstrates a rare combination of character, talent and service-mindedness.

Amanda Brown is more than a student leader—she is a remarkable young person whose compassion, initiative, and integrity continue to impact everyone around her. She exemplifies the very best of youth leadership, and her contributions promise a bright future of meaningful service and community engagement.

During the Gala ceremony, Amanda was presented with a scholarship for $1,500 from $750 contributed by each the Antioch Rotary Club and Rotary Club of the Delta (Antioch).

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

“I’m an honorary doer. I think that’s a better title for me.”

By Antioch Chamber of Commerce

During the Antioch Chamber of Commerce’s annual Gala, Friday night, March 27, 2026, Joanne Bilbo, a lifelong resident of Antioch, was honored as the 2025 Citizen of the Year for Lifetime Achievement in recognition of her unparalleled dedication to her community. At 96 years young, Joanne’s life is a shining example of volunteerism, leadership and service.

She joined the Catholic Young Ladies at age 16 and has been a devoted, long-standing member of Most Holy Rosary Church. Affectionately known as the “Dessert Lady,” Joanne has spent decades delighting parishioners with her famous bundt cakes at church events, always serving with joy and generosity.

Her commitment extends beyond the church: she has been a dedicated board member of the Antioch Historical Society, earned the affectionate title of “Ticket Lady” for managing museum event tickets for countless community events, and was honored in 2023 as a Community Leader by the Sports Legends Hall of Fame Museum, where she served on the board for more than a decade.

Joanne’s impact on Antioch reaches into every corner of the community. She and her husband, Marshall Bilbo, married in 1960 and raised two children while owning and operating Ernie’s Liquors for many years. She has been a vital presence in the Antioch Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Antioch, contributing her time, energy, and leadership to countless initiatives.

As a board member of Antioch Friends of the Arts, she oversaw the purchase and dedication of the Cannery Lady statue on W. First Street in historic, downtown Rivertown, celebrating Antioch’s rich history and culture. In 2003, she joined a philanthropic organization dedicated to raising scholarships for women, further extending her impact on future generations. Through her decades of volunteerism, her warm presence, and her unwavering commitment to community, faith, and service, Joanne Bilbo has become a beloved and inspiring figure in Antioch—truly deserving of the title Citizen of the Year.

See video of Joanne’s speech during the Gala in which she said, “I’m an honorary doer. I think that’s a better title for me.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Antioch Chamber of Commerce

During the Antioch Chamber of Commerce’s annual Gala, Friday night, March 27, 2026, Allison Norris, founder of the charitable organization Snug As A Bug, was honored as the 2025 Antioch Citizen of the Year for Most Impact for her extraordinary dedication to improving the lives of those in need.

Through her organization, Allison provides handmade quilts and bags to children, teens, adults, and veterans, offering warmth, comfort, and a tangible reminder that someone cares. Over the years, she has supported hundreds of individuals in Antioch and surrounding communities, creating meaningful connections and helping people navigate moments of hardship. In 2024 Allison tirelessly created quilts for veterans and contributed to the Antioch Stand Down on the Delta, an event supporting those who have served. Her outreach extends to local schools, hospitals, police departments and social service agencies, where she ensures that foster youth, families facing crisis and individuals experiencing trauma receive the physical comfort of a quilt and the emotional support that accompanies it.

Allison’s impact reaches far beyond the quilts she creates. She continuously volunteers her time at the Woman’s Club of Antioch, her church, and local schools, using these partnerships to bring other volunteers into the fold and create meaningful opportunities for community engagement. Through her dedication, she strengthens the social fabric of Antioch, demonstrating the power of compassion in action. Guided by her motto, “Building Community with Community,” Allison never seeks recognition for her work, choosing instead to focus on the real, lasting impact she makes every day. Her unwavering commitment, generosity and leadership have touched countless lives, inspiring others to give back, reinforcing a culture of care, resilience and community in every corner of Antioch.

See video of Allison’s speech during the Gala.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Important Race Update!

By Antioch Rotary Club

Attention Participants:

The location for the Antioch Rotary Bunny Hop 5K Run/Walk race has changed! The event will now be held at the Worth Shaw Community Park, 801 James Donlon Blvd., Antioch.

Please update your plans accordingly.

Registration will be open until Race Day. Special Thanks to the Rotary Club of the Delta for preparing a free Pancake Breakfast for everyone on Race Day! If you like to be part of community video, please email your picture to rdeloso@yahoo.com.  Like us and see up to date notices on Facebook @AntiochBunnyHop5K.

For more information about the race scan the QR code in the flier above or visit 10th Antioch Rotary Club Bunny Hop 5K a.k.a. Antioch Rotary BunnyHop “X”.

For more information about the Antioch Rotary Club visit antiochrotary.net.

By the Antioch Rivertown Jamboree Board of Directors

Dear Community Member:

On behalf of the Antioch Rivertown Jamboree Board of Directors, we invite you to support our community work—a mission that has benefited our neighbors since 1985. To continue these efforts, we are hosting our Annual Crab Feed Fundraiser on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 6435 at  815 Fulton Shipyard Road, Antioch.

Tickets are $70 per person (or $75 at the door if not sold out) and includes crab or tri-tip (by special request), clam chowder, salad, pasta, garlic bread and dessert. Drinks begin at 4pm and Dinner will be served 6pm-8pm. Click here: Rivertown Jamboree 2026 Crab Feed Ticket Registration

Donors Needed

We’re currently seeking donations for our auction and raffle. Donating by April 11th ensures we can feature your name/business name in our event program! We are particularly interested in securing some of these items:

● Electronics & Tech: A 65” Smart TV, Cricut “Joy” or “Silhouette” machine, sports binoculars, iPad, Apple AirPods, a Nintendo Switch.

● Experiences: Hotel stays, vacation packages, local outings, or event tickets.

● Themed Gift Baskets: A great way to feature your business, culture, or a hobby. Please list the basket’s contents and notate the estimated $ value of the whole basket. Food must be sealed and unexpired.

● Gift Cards/Certs: Please include a sheet with name of donor & the dollar amount

We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit (Tax ID: 68-0159140). Please consult with your tax preparer and the IRS about how your contribution may be tax-deductible. Beyond that, you’ll have the satisfaction of supporting a local cause. To confirm a donation please email Sara at kmittens@gmail.com or if you don’t have email, call Betty at (510) 305-3770.

Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to partnering with you!