Atascadero Citizen of the Year, community awards announced
An Atascadero couple known for founding a popular city track meet and for commitment to numerous other community service events has been named the city’s Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year for 2015.
Robyn and Keith Schmidt, owners of K-Man Cycle & Run, founded and direct the annual All Comers Track and Field Meet, which has attracted more than 300 participants for one event. The All Comers meet, open to all ages, especially has helped youths gain a sense of accomplishment and confidence, according to the chamber.
The Schmidts also orchestrate the city’s Hares and Hounds 5K run that benefits the Lighthouse program, which provides funding for substance addiction counseling at Del Rio Continuation High School.
We usually don’t name two people Citizen of the Year, but they’re both equally dedicated and deserving.
Linda Hendy
Atascadero Chamber of Commerce president/CEO“They are very committed to the community, and they do it behind the scenes without drawing much attention to themselves,” said Linda Hendy, the chamber’s president and chief executive officer. “We usually don’t name two people Citizen of the Year, but they’re both equally dedicated and deserving.”
The Schmidts’ other endeavors include volunteering at the Wildflower Triathlon; coaching kids in running, basketball and volleyball; and leading a North County triathlon and multisport athletics club. They also support the Atascadero Firefighters Association and the city’s Friends of the Library, and assist the Committee for Atascadero Public Schools in raising money for teachers.
“I’m kind of a perpetual volunteer,” Robyn Schmidt said in a statement.
The Schmidts will be honored, along with five winners of community awards, at the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner from 6 to 10 p.m. Jan. 23 at SpringHill Suites by Marriott.
Winners of the community awards are American West Tire (business of the year); Janice Felde (businessperson of the year); Kevin Campion (community service award); Rotary Club of Atascadero (organization of the year); and Marge Castle, SESLOC Federal Credit Union (ambassador of the year).
This story was originally published January 4, 2016 at 3:10 PM with the headline "Atascadero Citizen of the Year, community awards announced."