In an evening filled with smiles and appreciation, many of Oakdale’s outstanding citizens were honored during the 80th Annual Awards Dinner hosted by the Oakdale Chamber of Commerce. From celebrating folks that volunteer their time and energy to help others to businesses that helped make dreams come true, the best and brightest were honored throughout the evening on Friday, Feb. 27.
The Bordona name is known throughout the Central Valley for their longstanding furniture and appliance business but mostly the Bordona name is synonymous with community service, generosity and integrity. Bob and Phyllis Bordona were honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for their contributions to the community. For more than 50 years, the Bordonas have worked within the community, serving in organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club, Soroptimist Club and Oakdale High School Community Scholarships, just to name a few. Celebrating 66 years of marriage, the Bordonas have dedicated their lives to serving others, with Phyllis Bordona noting, “You always get back more than you give when you help others.”
The crowd that filled the Bianchi Community Center for the awards program was treated to a video regarding the Lifetime Achievement honorees. Bob Bordona was unable to attend but several members of the Bordona family were there for the special evening.
Also, many special awards were distributed throughout the night. Ami Poncabare-Silfer took home the honor of Citizen of the Year for her work on various projects including A Small Town Christmas, which featured the Julia Haidlen Memorial Ice Skating Rink and brought more than 20,000 people to the Oakdale community throughout December and into early January, creating lifelong memories for many families.
Avery Gleason, an Oakdale High School senior and 2025 recipient of the Distinguished Young Woman Award, received the Junior Achievement Award for her work and service within the community. Sommer White, of Sommer White Interiors, took home the Young Professional of the Year Honor. White is expanding her business and has already brought her visions to life in many local venues throughout the Central Valley and beyond.
First Responders are critical to ensuring that emergencies are addressed as urgently and safely as possible and Steven DiGiorno, Oakdale Police Officer, knows that better than anyone. Serving in Oakdale as a School Resource Officer in addition to his other duties, DiGiorno has served as a mentor to many students and has been described as “an excellent resource” for all of the citizens of Oakdale.
Gilton Solid Waste Management received the award for Business of the Year for their ongoing service and contributions to the community. Most recently, the team at Gilton donated various items including bins and other receptacles to A Small Town Christmas to help make the event flow smoothly and efficiently.
Lisa Kjeldgaard, Director of Love Oakdale, accepted the award for Non-Profit of the Year. Kjeldgaard has worked tirelessly to recruit volunteers, partner with local organizations and work with the leadership team in Oakdale to ensure that the annual Love Oakdale event helps many residents throughout Oakdale through various service projects including school maintenance, residential cleanups and gardening, repairs for local buildings including the animal shelter and so much more. Love Oakdale has also been instrumental in the establishment and continued development of the popular Morning Market hosted downtown.
Special appreciation honors were presented to the following individuals for their various contributions: Ed Viohl for his work with young members of the community; Allison Schwartz of Guild Mortgage and Past President of the Oakdale Chamber of Commerce for her guidance and support; and the award for the Chamber of Commerce Board Member of the Year went to Ashley Ardis, local Realtor and co-owner of Ardis Cattle Company. Ardis also works as the Event Coordinator for the Chamber of Commerce and said she is looking forward to a productive and exciting 2026.
Sponsors for the annual awards dinner were Ellis Self Storage, Creekside Liquor Bait and Tackle, Allison Schwartz Guild Mortgage, ConAgra, Dying Breed Brewing, Oak Valley Community Bank, Bordona’s Furniture and Appliance and Gilton.
