Toastmasters of La Jolla has created the Helen Blanchard Annual Award of Excellence, a move that preserves a leadership honor that disappeared when District 5 of Toastmasters International merged with Founder’s District and District 100, Division S, effective July 1, 2026. The merger formed a new Founder’s District and eliminated the district-level Helen M. Blanchard Trailblazer Award, which had recognized innovative and exceptional service leadership in District 5 since 2010. The club, founded in 1978 by Helen M. Blanchard, presented the inaugural award on October 21, 2026, to Alberto E. Alvarado, DTM.
The reorganization threatened to end a tradition that dated back more than a decade, but Bob Dietrich, DTM, proposed that Toastmasters of La Jolla assume responsibility for continuing it. The club membership adopted the idea, creating the Helen Blanchard Annual Award of Excellence to honor individuals who exemplify dedication to helping others develop their communication skills and confidence. The decision matters because it keeps recognition of service leadership alive at a time when district boundaries have shifted, ensuring that Blanchard’s legacy remains tied to the club she founded rather than fading with an administrative change.
“Helen Blanchard opened the door for so many of us,” Dietrich said. “She showed that excellence and leadership belong to anyone willing to commit to them. It felt right that her own club should carry that tradition forward.”
Alvarado received the first award in recognition of “his tireless dedication to helping others find their voice and share it with confidence.” He joined Toastmasters in 2015 and has held numerous leadership roles at the club and district levels. He previously served as District 5 Toastmaster of the Year for 2023-2024 and currently serves as Program Quality Director for District 5 for 2025-2026, overseeing educational programs, club officer training, contests, and efforts to help clubs and members achieve Distinguished status. Earlier service includes club Treasurer for three terms, Area Director, District Public Relations Manager, and co-chair of the Leadership and Communication Expo. Professionally, he works for the Costco Auto Program and is a consultant in automotive marketing.
Helen M. Blanchard (1926-2013) was a pioneering figure in Toastmasters International. In 1970, when membership was still restricted to men, she began attending meetings of a San Diego club. Club members submitted her application under the name “H. Blanchard”; when World Headquarters requested a full first name, they chose “Homer.” Three years later, in 1973, Toastmasters officially opened membership to women. Blanchard went on to serve as District Governor and, in 1985, became the first female International President of Toastmasters International. Her presidential theme was “Commit to Excellence.” In 1978, she founded Toastmasters of La Jolla, which was chartered on June 1, 1978. She is widely known as the “First Lady of Toastmasters” for breaking barriers and opening the organization to women worldwide.
The club’s decision to continue an award in her name reflects her lifelong commitment to leadership, service, and helping others grow. Toastmasters of La Jolla maintains a clear commitment to three core practices: beginning on time, ending on time, and always making meetings fun. The club meets weekly on Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the La Jolla Recreation Center, 615 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA 92037. Guests are always welcome.
