Dennis Mangers Received Civic Leadership Award

The former legislator was honored for his local service and directed the grant to regional arts organizations.

Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Cultural

Screen-print poster illustration depicting an iconic sculptural arch in a quiet urban courtyard, rendered in a warm vintage-poster aesthetic. — Former California Assembly member Dennis Mangers donated his $25,000 Mort Friedman Civic Leadership Award grant to support performing arts in Sacramento. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The 85-year-old Dennis Mangers has been named the 2026 recipient of the Mort Friedman Civic Leadership Award. He donated the accompanying $25,000 grant to a variety of local arts and cultural nonprofits across the Sacramento region.

Why it matters

The annual award honors individuals who have made a lasting impact on the Sacramento community through dedicated service. It is funded by the Friedman family to support the arts and civic life in the area.

The award consists of a $25,000 grant directed to chosen charities. The recipient distributed the funds among groups including the Sacramento Ballet, Broadway Sacramento Youth Conservatory, and the Sacramento Symphony.

The players

Dennis Mangers

An 85-year-old former California state Assembly member who later served as a strategic advisor for the mayor of Sacramento.

Mort Friedman

A Sacramento community figure whose legacy is honored by an annual leadership award established by his family.

Sacramento Region Community Foundation

A regional philanthropic organization that manages the funds and administration for the Mort Friedman Civic Leadership Award.

The details

Mangers, who served as a California state Assembly member from 1976 to 1980 and retired as a strategic advisor for the mayor of Sacramento in 2020, chose to distribute the funds to support local performing arts and education. The award is managed through the Sacramento Region Community Foundation and honors the legacy of Mort Friedman, who died in 2012.

1968: Mangers began his career as one of California's youngest school principals.
1976-1980: Mangers served as a member of the state Assembly.
June 17, 2008: Dennis Mangers married Michael Sestak.
2012: Mort Friedman passed away.
2020: Mangers retired from his position as a strategic advisor for the mayor.

Industry Dynamics

This award highlights the ongoing synergy between political leadership and regional cultural philanthropy in the Sacramento area. The grants provide critical financial support to arts institutions following the $100 million renovation of the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center.

Local residents can expect continued support for arts programming at the Crocker Arts Museum and other venues. These donations help sustain local youth conservatory programs and public performance schedules.

The takeaway

Civic leaders play a vital role in sustaining local arts organizations through targeted philanthropic support. Prioritizing these contributions helps ensure that regional cultural education and performance programs remain accessible to the community.