This year, we are proud to announce Steve & Cathy Kienle as this year's honorees of the 2025 Community Engagement Partner of the Year Award!

Leaders in Business, Champions in Community – Celebrating Steve & Cathy Kienle

Steve Kienle serves as President of Walter's Automotive Group, a family-owned organization that has proudly served the Inland Empire since 1965. Under his leadership, Walter's has grown into one of Southern California's most respected automotive groups, representing iconic brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Audi. With five locations and more than 450 dedicated employees, the group continues to set the benchmark for excellence in luxury automotive sales and service. Over the years, Steve has served on numerous dealer advisory boards and has been recognized with multiple top-tier manufacturer awards, including Mercedes-Benz Best of the Best, the Audi Magna Society Award, and Porsche's Premier Dealer honor.

"It's always good being asked [to give back]. When somebody's doing better than somebody else, it's the right thing to do."

—Steve Kienle

Cathy Kienle plays an equally vital role in the company's legacy, leading all philanthropic initiatives with passion, purpose, and heart. Through her vision, Walter's Automotive Group has built a 30-year partnership with Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, anchored by their foundation, Walter's Children's Charity Classic. Cathy has served on the hospital's board for many years and has chaired its last two fundraising galas, helping raise vital support for pediatric care in the Inland Empire. In addition to her work with Loma Linda, Cathy has been a long-standing supporter of the American Heart Association, and for over 20 years, has played an active leadership role in the Parkview Hospital Foundation. She and Steve have also been dedicated supporters of the Riverside Area Rape Crisis Center - now known as NORA - for more than two decades, helping advocate for and support survivors throughout the region. Her steadfast commitment to improving the health and well-being of others continues to leave a lasting impact on the communities she serves.

Outside of their professional and philanthropic commitments, Steve and Cathy enjoy traveling and boating in the scenic Pacific Northwest, where they find time to unwind and reconnect with nature.

"We all need to work together to make [sexual assault] go away. This can be something that no longer exists in our society."

—Cathy Kienle

Support Our 44th Annual Dinner & Auction Gala!

Steve & Cathy Kienle will be honored as the recipients of the 2025 Community Engagement Partner of the Year at our 44th Annual Dinner & Auction Gala!

Every year, NORA hosts our Annual Dinner & Auction Gala. All proceeds go to our services that directly support survivors, including our 24/7 crisis hotline, free and confidential counseling, and preventative education. This year, our gala will be held on Saturday, November 15th, 2025 at 5:00 PM at the Victoria Club, located at 2521 Arroyo Drive, Riverside, CA 92506.

Consider becoming a supporter today by purchasing tickets, becoming a sponsor, or donating items for the auction!