Recognizing Excellence: The Legacy of the Silver Spur Award

For more than three decades, the Silver Spur Award has served as a distinguished symbol of service, leadership, and enduring commitment to the Santa Clarita Valley. Established in 1989 by the College of the Canyons Foundation, the Silver Spur is the Foundation’s highest honor, created to recognize individuals and families whose generosity and civic spirit have left a lasting imprint on both the college and the broader community it serves.
From its earliest days, the award was designed to reflect the region’s deep-rooted heritage and commitment to innovation and growth. The inaugural Silver Spur Celebration was held at the Gene Autry Museum in Los Angeles, a fitting setting that honored the Valley’s western legacy while celebrating its pioneers of progress. The first recipient, Cliffie Stone, embodied that spirit through his remarkable dedication to community and culture, setting the tone for the generations of honorees who would follow.
As the years progressed, the Silver Spur Celebration evolved into one of Southern California’s most anticipated and elegant spring galas. While the event grew in stature, its mission remained unchanged: to celebrate service that strengthens education, fosters opportunity, and enriches civic life. Each Silver Spur honoree represents a chapter in the Santa Clarita Valley’s ongoing story, reflecting values of leadership, philanthropy, and a deep belief in the power of education.
A hallmark of the Silver Spur tradition is the thoughtful selection of venues, each chosen to echo the honoree’s legacy or the spirit of the occasion. In 2015, the Foundation returned to The Autry Museum for the 25th anniversary celebration, honoring the Newhall Family and their foundational role in shaping the community. The celebration continued its tradition of elegance and meaning in 2025, where Marlee Lauffer was recognized for her leadership and generosity.
On May 30, 2026, the Silver Spur Celebration will honor Ed Masterson at the Sheraton Universal Hotel, continuing a legacy of pairing extraordinary individuals with equally memorable settings. Each celebration adds to a growing tapestry of impact, chronicling the people who have helped shape the educational, cultural, and philanthropic landscape of the Santa Clarita Valley.
Best known to many as the trusted voice behind the microphone at major community events, Masterson has volunteered his time as a master of ceremonies, auctioneer, board committee member, and advisor for countless fundraisers and civic gatherings.
Since 1999, Masterson’s volunteer work has benefited more than 25 local organizations, including College of the Canyons, the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce, Valley Industry Association (VIA), WiSH Education Foundation, Child & Family Center, Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital Guild, SCV Education Foundation, and the Boys & Girls Club of the Santa Clarita Valley, among many others.
For more information about the event, please call the COC Foundation at: 661-362-3434.
Collectively, the history of the Silver Spur Award is more than a list of honorees—it is a living record of service, vision, and community pride. Through changing times and evolving venues, the Silver Spur remains a steadfast tribute to those who believe in giving back and investing in the future, ensuring that the spirit of leadership and generosity continues to inspire generations to come.