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2026 Breath of Life Honorees

Tony & Cynthia Divino

 


The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is proud to recognize Tony and Cynthia Divino as the 2026 Taste of Utah Breath of Life Honorees. Their leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment to family and community have impacted countless lives throughout Utah and exemplify the spirit of this prestigious award.

Though their shared Italian heritage often leads people to believe otherwise, Tony and Cynthia are Utah natives who have proudly called Salt Lake City home for much of their lives. It was in Salt Lake City that they attended the University of Utah together, married, and eventually chose to build a life after spending five years and nine moves throughout the Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountain regions. Together, they raised three daughters, built a thriving business, and established a legacy of community involvement rooted in gratitude for the place that has given so much to them.

After earning a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Utah in 1975, Tony initially planned to pursue a career in the rapidly growing computer industry. A chance opportunity to install and maintain computer systems for a Toyota dealership in Denver changed the course of his life. There, Tony and Cynthia developed a close friendship with the dealership's parts manager, Larry H. Miller, and his wife, Gail Miller, relationships that would become instrumental in their future.

In 1979, the Divinos returned to Utah to join the Larry H. Miller organization. Nearly a decade later, with encouragement from Larry and Gail, they seized the opportunity to purchase Toyota of Ogden. By 1995, they became sole owners of the dealership, now known as Tony Divino Toyota. Under Tony's leadership as Dealer Principal, the dealership has become known not only for its success but also for its culture of loyalty and employee appreciation. Several team members have remained with the organization for more than 40 years, a testament to the values Tony instills throughout the company.

While Tony's professional accomplishments are significant, both he and Cynthia will tell you that their greatest priorities have always been family and community. Cynthia, a registered nurse, set aside her nursing career to support their growing family and business aspirations, providing steadfast encouragement and perspective throughout their journey. Her healthcare background also helped shape the couple's philanthropic focus on organizations that improve the lives of children and strengthen community health and well-being.

Over the years, the Divinos have dedicated their time, talent, and resources to numerous charitable causes. Tony has served on the board of Prevent Child Abuse Utah for more than three decades and is a two-time past board president. He has also been a longtime board member and past president of the Weber School District Foundation, serving for more than 20 years. Together, they have fostered a culture of giving within their business, supporting organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs, Sub for Santa, and numerous educational and youth-focused initiatives throughout Northern Utah.

Their connection to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation began through longtime friend and advocate Somer Love. Recognizing the urgent need to support families affected by cystic fibrosis, Tony and Cynthia enthusiastically joined the mission and have become valued supporters of Taste of Utah and the Foundation's lifesaving work. Through their generosity and dedication, they continue to help advance research, care, and hope for those living with cystic fibrosis.

Today, Tony and Cynthia reside in Holladay, Utah, and remain devoted to the people and causes that matter most to them. They are proud parents of three daughters, Natalie Divino (Eric Stander), Nicole Manchego (Justin Manchego), and Noelle Achekzai (Gharzai Achekzai), and grandparents to Yzabella, Francesca, Stella, Luca, and Harrison. Their enduring commitment to family, service, and community makes them truly deserving recipients of the 2026 Breath of Life Award.



Previous Breath of Life Honorees
2010    Dennis O'Brien
2011    Mac Christensen
2012    Charles W. Sorenson, M.D.
2013    Lane Beattie
2014    Scott and Jesselie Anderson
2015    Vivian S. Lee, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A.
2016    Tammy Sloan and Hall of Fame Coach Jerry Sloan
2017    Gail Miller, Larry H. Miller Group of Companies
2018    Coach Larry Krystkowiak and Jan Krystkowiak
2019    Kem and Carolyn Gardner
2022    Governor Spencer J. Cox and First Lady Abby Cox
2023    CF Parents
2024    Philip McCarthey
2025    Abbie Stockard


The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation gratefully recognizes all Breath of Life Honorees whose generosity, leadership, and service have helped advance our mission and bring hope to those living with cystic fibrosis.