At the Atascadero Police Foundation, our mission to support SLO County law enforcement and build a stronger community wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated volunteers. These are the folks working behind the scenes—giving their time, energy, and heart to make every event, fundraiser, and outreach effort a success.
This month, we’re proud to shine a light on just a few of the amazing individuals who help bring our APF ECHO Celebrations to life.
Meet Sybil
Sybil’s journey with us began with a simple favor for a friend two years ago :”Hey, want to help me at a Golf Tournament?” And we at the APF are so glad she said yes! Since then, Sybil frequently lends her time to our celebrations at ECHO, shares her talents as a graphic designer to the APF Marketing Team and she’s now a staple at the Golf Tournament Fundraiser. Her passion for community service is evident through her involvement in various local non-profits, and she has seamlessly integrated her skills into the APF’s efforts.
Her favorite volunteer experience is the ECHO birthday parties, where she brings her 11 and 13-year-old daughters to join in the fun. “My 13-year-old helps me decorate the birthday cake for each party. Based on the birthday kids’ interests, my daughter and I create a personalized 3D printed cake topper for each child, and she also decorates the donated cake. My 11-year-old adds to the parties with painted tattoos and hair tinsel. It’s been amazing showing them ways to give back that is fun and a feel-good experience,” Sybil shares.
Sybil’s hope for the APF is to increase community awareness and collaboration, ensuring that our mission reaches more people and makes a greater impact. Sybil’s story is a testament to the power of volunteering and the joy it brings to both the giver and the community.
Whether you volunteer with a friend, bring along a family member or join to make new connections, follow Sybil’s lead and you can enjoy spending time together and maybe even score some free cake!
Meet TH
Meet TH, a dedicated volunteer with the Atascadero Police Foundation, currently serving as the Board Vice President. TH, who retired from Sunnyvale Public Safety, brings a wealth of experience and a heart full of passion to our team. His journey with us began when he moved to the Central Coast and wanted to give back to his new community. “I have experience with the creation of a foundation from my previous department, and being new to the Central Coast, I wanted to give back to my new community,” TH shares.
TH’s takes great pride in honoring the memory of Detective Luca Benedetti by chairing the APF Scholarship committee in his name. “There needs to be a face put with the badge. Our community as a whole needs to understand that officers are just human beings too. The difference is that they are doing a job that most in society don’t want to do or may not respect,” TH explains. His favorite volunteer experiences include being part of the ECHO birthdays and seeing the kids’ faces light up when they receive their presents.
Outside of volunteering, TH is a sports enthusiast—he loves all kinds of sports! And here’s a fun fact: his guilty pleasure is watching “Below Deck” on Bravo, but shh, don’t tell anyone!
TH hopes the APF will eventually grow to serve the entire North County area of San Luis Obispo, helping more community members with our resources and assistance. “No matter how much time you have to volunteer, every little bit helps. And if you don’t have time, then monetary assistance will always be greatly appreciated,” he advises. We couldn’t agree more- After all, donating to a good cause is always a sound investment!
Meet Alisha
This picture says it all. What started with a conversation at Atascadero’s National Night Out in 2024, has evolved into a staple of our ECHO celebrations. Since then Alisha, affectionately known as Ms. Vanellope, has been lending her baking skills to the APF and hosts the crowd favorite cookie decorating tables at each party. “The fun the parents and kids have always brings a smile to my day,” she shares. Alisha believes that nothing can replace the person-to-person connections you build by being hands-on and present in the community.
“Getting to know your neighbors and their unique contributions to our eclectic town isn’t just fun, it’s an essential part of what makes a community strong and vibrant. I really appreciate the efforts the APF makes to foster those relationships,” Alisha adds.
Outside of volunteering, Alisha enjoys geocaching and spending time at local farms. Her family hobbies embraces the beauty of the Central Coast, ranging from harvesting their own olive oil and honey to free-ranging their own line of registered Black Angus cattle.
If someone is thinking about volunteering, Alisha’s advice is simple: “Don’t hesitate! There are so many opportunities out there to fit any interest, level, or ability. Every ounce of effort adds to the ripple of kindness. The difference you can make is very real and very needed.”
Why We Celebrate Our Volunteers
Behind every successful program at the Atascadero Police Foundation, there are volunteers making it happen. They give selflessly, ask for nothing in return, and help us build bridges between public safety and our community.
To Sybil, TH, Alisha, and the many others who give their time—you are the core of what we do. We’re so grateful for each and every one of you.
Want to Get Involved?
We’re always looking for more helping hands. If you’re interested in volunteering with the Atascadero Police Foundation, reach out to us here. We’d love to have you on the team.
