Jonathan Abelove has proudly called Tustin home for more than 32 years. Deeply committed to serving his community, Jonathan is the current President of Dollars for Tustin Scholars (DFTS) and Executive Vice President of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Tustin. He also serves as a Trustee on the Board of Education for the Tustin Unified School District, is a board member of the Tustin Area Council for the Arts, and an active member of the Rotary Club of Tustin-Santa Ana. Jonathan and his wife, Laurie, have raised two daughters, both graduates of TUSD schools, and continue to invest their time and energy into helping Tustin thrive.

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Linda is deeply committed to community service and education. After responding to the events of 9/11 and actively participating in my children’s PTOs, I chose to dedicate my fundraising knowledge to Dollars for Tustin

Scholars (DFTS). For more than twenty years, I have held various DFTS board positions to support Tustin Unified School District (TUSD) graduating seniors in achieving their college aspirations. I also volunteer with other community organizations that help DFTS foster opportunities and hope for countless students, embodying the spirit of giving back to the community.​

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Dr. Pat Machado and her husband Bob were longtime Tustin residents, actively involved in the community for over 45 years. Their two children attended Tustin schools from kindergarten through high school, and the Machados continued to support local education and fundraising efforts even after their children moved away. Pat, a lifelong educator and college professor, has dedicated much of her volunteer work to raising scholarship funds and serving with Tustin nonprofits, schools, scouting, Santa Ana Elks, and her church. Both Pat and Bob were named Tustin Woman and Man of the Year, and Pat has held every board position at DFTS while also co-producing a biannual bulletin for supporters.

Laura has been a dedicated member of Dollars for Tustin Scholars since 1987.

Her passion for giving back began early through the Girl Scouts and was shaped by the example of her parents. Before joining DFTS, Laura served in various board roles with the Assistance League of Tustin. She is especially committed to supporting students and believes deeply in the power of scholarships to create opportunity.

Laura is also an active member of Saddleback Church, where she leads a small group Bible study and helps with hospitality. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Tammis has been a resident of Tustin for over 40 years and my children attended Tustin schools.  As a retired secretary from the Tustin Unified School District (TUSD), I have continued to contribute to the community by volunteering at various community events.  Drawing from my extensive administrative background, I assist in organizing and providing clerical/financial support.  I am currently a member of Tustin Area Council for Fine Arts (TACFA Encore), serve as a treasurer for Santa Ana-Tustin Soroptimist, a community representative for Tustin-Santa Ana Rotary, and an organizer for Project Pajama for Tustin Community Foundation. 

Richard Nelson

Don Berkheimer holds both a B.A. and an M.B.A. from California State University, Fullerton. A semi-retired CPA, Don serves as the current Treasurer of the Tustin Kiwanis Club and contributes his time on the scholarship committee for DFTS.

Born at St. Joseph Hospital in Orange and raised in Santa Ana, Don has lived in Tustin since 1986. He and his wife, Tammis have two children who graduated from Tustin High School. Their son earned a B.S.M. and an M.B.A. from Tulane University, while their daughter holds a B.A. from the College of William and Mary and an M.A.T. from the University of Southern California.

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