Some stories just feel meant to come full circle, and Chris Ann Sarver’s is one of them.
Chris Ann was recently named the 2026 Peacemaker Award recipient by the Encinitas Rotary Club, and if you’ve ever spent time around her or inside her Clubhouse, it’s easy to understand why. This kind of recognition doesn’t come from one defining moment—it’s built over years of showing up, staying patient, and believing deeply in every young person who walks through the doors.
Her journey started at the Club when she was just five years old. Back then, it was a place to play, create, and belong. Over time, it became something more—a foundation that would shape her future. By the time she was 15½, she was already stepping into leadership through the Hire-A-Youth program, eventually growing into many different roles, from camp director to program leader. Today, she leads as Clubhouse Manager at the Griset and Ocean Knoll locations, serving more than 250 youth each year.
But what Chris Ann really builds can’t be summed up in a title. She creates an environment where kids from all backgrounds—different cultures, experiences, and challenges—learn how to be in community with one another. That means teaching empathy, guiding tough conversations, and helping young people navigate conflict in a healthy way. It’s steady, intentional work, and it shows in the lives of the members she serves.
You see it in the siblings who came to the Club struggling with behavior and relationships, and through her patience and guidance, grew into leaders themselves. You see it in the young member who was facing depression and found stability, confidence, and purpose through Chris Ann’s support. And you see it in the everyday moments—helping a child regulate their emotions, making sure every member feels included, creating a space where differences are respected instead of feared.
That’s what makes this recognition so meaningful. The Peacemaker Award honors those who actively build understanding, compassion, and connection in their communities—and Chris Ann lives that out every single day. As Marineke Vandervort, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest San Diego, shared, “Chris Ann embodies the heart and mission of our organization. Her extraordinary ability to connect with young people, guide them through challenges, and cultivate a true sense of belonging has had a lasting impact on countless lives. She creates a space where every child feels seen, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.”
Her impact extends far beyond the youth she works with directly. She mentors staff, helping shape a culture rooted in empathy, dignity, and respect—one that continues to ripple outward into the broader community. It’s why this award feels less like a milestone and more like a reflection of what so many already know to be true.
“Chris Ann Sarver exemplifies what it truly means to be a peacemaker in our community,” said Mark Berning. “Her work is a powerful reminder that one person can create meaningful, lasting change.”
And maybe that’s the heart of it. Chris Ann’s story started in the very same spaces she now leads. She knows firsthand what it means for a young person to have a place where they feel safe, supported, and seen—and she’s spent more than 30 years making sure others have that same experience.
Awards are a moment, but this work is a lifetime. And Chris Ann has quietly been changing lives, building community, and creating a more compassionate world—one kid, one conversation, one day at a time.
We’re incredibly proud to celebrate her, not just for this award, but for the countless lives she’s helped shape along the way.
