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John Breazeale, a Santa Rosa chef and businessman known as “Johnny B” to family and friends, is one of the most ardent and enthusiastic supporters of the Youth Ag & Leadership Foundation of Sonoma County, donating his time, talents and resources to advance youth in 4-H and FFA.
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Johnny B, who is 57, is the owner and chef of Breazeale’s Family Ravioli and catering, a homegrown business inspired by the fine cooking in his Italian family and Sonoma County’s agricultural bounty. He said the business fulfills his love for family, friends and food in the community he loves.
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In recognition of Johnny B’s dedication and generosity, the Youth Ag & Leadership Foundation has named him the recipient of the 2024 Shining Star Award. The award is given annually to an individual or business that has made significant contributions in advancing the foundation’s work in developing the next generation of community and agricultural leaders.
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“John Breazeale’s unwavering support year after year has raised thousands and thousands of dollars that have benefited 4-H and FFA youth as they pursue leadership opportunities and fulfill citizenship and community service endeavors that are the hallmarks of their organizations,” the foundation’s board of directors said in naming John Breazeale the recipient of the Shining Star Award.
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Johnny B will be honored at the foundation’s annual barbecue fundraiser on Aug. 24 at Richard’s Grove and Saralee’s Vineyard, the Windsor estate created by Richard and Saralee Kunde and now owned by Jackson Family Wines.
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Over the last 12 years, Johnny B has raised thousands of dollars for the Youth Ag & Leadership Foundation by donating his seafood or ravioli dinners at the foundation’s benefit auction. He prepares the dinners in the buyer’s home, creating memorable meals while relishing his role as the night’s chef.
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In addition to donating his dinners, Johnny B also buys a table at the annual event and brings a group of friends who in turn support the auction. At last year’s event, Johnny B said between donations and purchases his table raised $18,000 for the Youth Ag & Leadership Foundation.
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He said he does it all for the young people who are involved in 4-H and FFA and for the good work that the Youth Ag & Leadership Foundation does to support them with grants and scholarships while providing a building where they can meet for projects.
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“It’s a privilege for me to join in raising money to help these young people as they find their place in the world,” said Johnny B, a native of Santa Rosa with deep family ties to the community and agriculture. He said he’s also impressed at how much money goes to directly support the 4-H and FFA members as they prepare for careers and leadership roles in the community.
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Johnny B worked for many years as a jeweler and still does some contract jewelry repair work. But he found his passion in cooking, creating the ravioli business and working as a private chef and caterer.
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Johnny B and his wife Davina have three children, Antonio, 20, Juliana, 16, and Dominic, 14. Juliana and Dominic were members of 4-H.
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The Breazeale family lives in the west Santa Rosa neighborhood where Steve Olson and Sam McMillan and their families make their home. Johnny B said he became involved in supporting 4-H and FFA through Olson and McMillan, both former members of the 4-H and FFA and lifelong supporters of the youth programs.
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“Sam and Steve have given countless hours to 4-H and FFA programs,” said Johnny B. “They are my inspiration.”