A packed house gathered Thursday at the Santa Maria Country Club to celebrate the giving spirit of three area couples who have spent decades donating their time and money to various local charities.

Henri and Jeanie Ardantz, Clarence and Rosalie Minetti, and Dennis and Franziska Shepard received awards and a proclamation from the city of Santa Maria as part of the second-annual Celebrate Philanthropy! Luncheon.

"These honorees are not philanthropists of the year," said local businessman Ed Murray, the luncheon's master of ceremonies. "Rather, they are being recognized for a long history of sustained effort with a broad community perspective."

The luncheon, sponsored by the Santa Maria Times, was the culmination of a partnership between Allan Hancock College, Marian Medical Center and the Santa Barbara foundations to honor Santa Maria Valley citizens who have backed local charities and organizations with funds, resources and hard work.

Henri and Jeanie Ardantz, members of a large local farming family and partners in agricultural firms Bonipak and Betteravia Farms, accepted recognition for their efforts to assist more than 25 local causes and nonprofits.

"I'm trying to figure out who do I thank for all this?" Henri Ardantz said. "It's very definitely a community event."

Henri's wife, Jeanie Ardantz, added, "This is not about us. It's about all of you - giving back to the community."

Celebrate Philanthropy! recognized Clarence and Rosalie Minetti, long-time valley ranchers and founders of Guadalupe's Far Western Tavern, for their numerous contributions, including work with Guadalupe Lion's Club, the Guadalupe Joint Union School District and the Santa Maria Elks, which has donated more than $10 million to local youth programs through the annual Elks Rodeo.

Santa Maria-based Ophthalmologist Dr. Dennis Shepard and his wife, Franziska, accepted an award for their contributions to area institutions, including Hancock College, the Santa Maria Library, and GenSpan, a nonprofit program of their own creation.

Of their numerous charitable contributions, Dennis Shepard said, "Our philosophy really is based on my wife's philosophy: There are no pockets in your death shroud when you go."

Each of the award recipients spoke briefly, thanking friends, family and the larger community for the recognition.