2026 Cowbelle of the year award

 Toni La Belle was born in Southern California, but her life truly took root when she moved to Amador County around 1974–75. From the beginning, she embraced her new community—first through Girl Scouts and 4‑H, then in FFA, where she served as Chapter Sweetheart. Those early experiences sparked a lifelong passion for service, leadership, and creating spaces where people could come together.

Across five decades, Toni has become a familiar and trusted presence in civic, business, and youth organizations. Her leadership on the Executive Board of the Historic Jackson Business Association helped shape major community events and strengthen local businesses. Her creativity and drive led her to found the Gold Country Cruise Car Show, the Best Halloween Window Contest, and the Chili Cook‑Of, traditions that became beloved annual fixtures thanks to her vision. Her event work also includes Christmas Delights, Kit Carson Mountain Men Days, and numerous countywide programs.Toni brought the “Every 15 Minutes” program to Amador County, establishing a powerful and long‑running safety initiative for local high schools. She supported Sober Grad and serves as the Community Club Leader for Jackson Gold Wheels 4‑H, always championing opportunities for young people.

Her board and committee service outside of AES CattleWomen reflects her wide‑ranging commitment to the community. She has served with Operation Care, the Amador Council of Tourism, the Amador Cancer Research Foundation, the Amador County Sheriff’s Foundation, and the Amador County Fair Junior Livestock Advisory Committee. She has been a steady volunteer for the Ione Business Association Car Show and Community Christian School, and is an active member of Soroptimist.

During the Caldor Fire, Toni spent four consecutive weeks preparing meals for evacuees, an act of compassion that demonstrated her deep care for neighbors in crisis as well as in celebration. Through every project, her dedication to youth, public safety, business development, and community traditions has strengthened Amador County. Her decades of service earned her recognition as Amador County Citizen of the Year.

This year, we are proud to honor Toni once again, by awarding her the 2026 CattleWoman of the Year for the Amador El Dorado Sacramento CattleWomen’s Unit.