The Favazzo/Jeswald Founders Award was established in 1997 after the passing of Ben Favazzo Sr. and Patrick Jeswald (Both in 1996).  They are credited with starting the Festival in 1959, hence the name "Founders Award". The criteria for the award are simple. The award is presented to a person who has unselfishly committed his or herself to the well being, planning and success of the Festival.  The recipients are chosen by a committee made up of Carnation Festival Board members.

​Favazzo-Jeswald Founders Award Winners
2021: Ben Favazzo
2020: Covid
2019: Sue Grove​
2018: Marikay Colbert
2017: Dan Hurford and Gary Barnes
2016: Esther Whiteleather
2015: Jennifer Crist
2014: John Gross
2013: Missy Miller
2012: Chris Brown
2011: Wanda Chidsey
2010: Keith Brill
2009: Nancy Waffler
2008: Gordon Harrison
2007: David Peterson
2006: Mary Anne and Jerry Burke
2005: Rich Duro
2004: Dan Skivolocke
2003: Steve Clunk
2002: Gene Grubb
2001: Judy Carr and Jeff Hartzell
2000: Curt Fahnert
1999: John Benincasa
1998: Jimmy Korleski
​1997: Elvin Barnett

​*In 2020 the Greater Alliance Carnation Festival was cancelled due to the global Coronavirus pandemic and social-distancing guidelines.