Honoring Service: Meet Jodie Taylor, Citizen of the Year

Jodie Taylor was one of four nominees for Citizen of the Year and was overjoyed and honored to receive the award recognizing her acts of service. She loves to dress up and enjoyed the opportunity to attend the event in style. "It's a humbling experience," says Taylor, who was presented with a trophy and a certificate of nomination to commemorate her achievement. She finds joy in helping others and bringing smiles to their faces. 

Taylor, a San Diego Country Estates homeowner, works full-time, is married, and has two children. Her husband, Bryan Taylor, is retired from the military. She enjoys staying active and always looks for opportunities to help others. Taylor credits her compassionate nature to her inspirational parents. "It's the way I was raised," she says.

Taylor has a passion for service and has supported many in need. Below are her accomplishments that have made a difference to many in 2024:

• Bingo for Becky (April 2024): Taylor raised $6,126 to support Becky's out-of-pocket cancer treatments, showing genuine compassion and care for individuals in need. Taylor started Bingo for Becky when Becky was diagnosed with cancer, and her insurance didn't cover the care. The bingo night was held in the SDCEA banquet room, and the event was sold out. Many guests donated beyond the price of their tickets to help raise money for the fund. "The community really showed up," says Taylor.

• Tunnel to Towers Tournament - Dan Reed Memorial Golf Classic (June 2024): Taylor was a volunteer for the tournament which raised over $40,000 to support local heroes - first responder and military individuals and their families.

• Bingo for STEP (November 2024): Taylor hosted a Bingo event to raise $2,300 for Support the Enlisted Project (STEP) and "adopted" five local military families for Christmas, ensuring they had a special holiday season with gifts wrapped and delivered to their doors. Sharing the Joy Program sponsored military families, and Taylor wrapped the gifts for each family member.

• Supporting Local Heroes (December 2024): From a craft fair and vendor market held in Ramona Oaks Park, Taylor raised $1,200 to support Fire Station 81 and the Ramona Senior Center.
  

She provided meals to two families who tragically lost a loved one to suicide. She made meals and organized a meal schedule for those on her street to contribute.

In addition, Taylor is the Quizmaster for the Tuesday Trivia Night event at The Oaks Grille, excluding weeks when the Board of Directors meets. She says it's super fun and works closely with Food & Beverage Front of House Manager, Colleen Doulgeropoulos. She loves board games and watches Jeopardy every night with her children. She adds that her kids have learned a lot from watching.

Taylor is already planning events this year. She is preparing for a Baby Drive for STEP from the end of March through the beginning of April, and is organizing a corn-hole tournament in March, and a Bingo event for STEP in November. In partnership with Robyn Bolitho, she will lead the Tunnel to Towers Tournament - Dan Reed Memorial Golf Classic in May. Victoria Reed, Dan's wife and the 2024's event lead is stepping away from the leadership role this year and is looking forward to the talented new event team in 2025.

Congratulations to Jodie Taylor for winning the Ramona Chamber of Commerce's Citizen of the Year!

Photos courtesy of Jodie Taylor, Chamber of Commerce event photo Heather McGhee