Honoring Those Who Help Others By Volunteering

Winners of the “Volunteers, the Heart of Tuolumne County” awards luncheon rom left: Alissa DeAnda, Kiwanis Club, Gregory Oliver, Betsy Danon (not pictured: Barry Hillman)

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Sonora, CA — Volunteers were recognized for their charitable giving for the 15th year in a row through the “Volunteers, the Heart of Tuolumne County” awards luncheon.

The event is put on every year by Sierra NonProfit Services, and was held Friday at the Sonora Elks Lodge. Clarke Broadcasting’s Star 92.7 Morning DJ Maryann Curmi emceed the luncheon. The awards are given out to volunteers who are nominated by other volunteers in the community and a panel of local citizens select the winners. Organizers says they are very proud to acknowledge 15 years of honoring the heart, love and work volunteers contribute to making life better for all in Tuolumne County.

The winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award receives $1,000 while the rest get $500 that they turn around and donate to a non-profit organization of their choice. Sierra Non-Profit Services provided this list of award categories:

• Extra Mile Award – Awarded to an individual who has a passion for service to our community.
• The Volunteer’s Champion Award – Awarded to a nonprofit organization that does an outstanding job of supporting and recognizing its volunteers.
• Community Excellence Award – Awarded to a for-profit business that promotes volunteerism among their employees and supports nonprofits in our community.
• Never Too Young Award – Awarded to a person between the ages of 6 and 18 who sees beyond themselves and works to improve our community. (Note: A recent high-school graduate who was an active volunteer in their school-age years may be nominated).
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Awarded to an individual to honor a lifetime of volunteer service that has positively impacted our community.

Here is the list of this year’s award recipients:

Award                               Winner                       Donation Check

Extra Mile                         Gregory Oliver             Interfaith/Catholic Charities

Volunteer Champion        Kiwanis Club                Senior smoke detector & Back to school shopping spree

Never Too Young              Alissa DeAnda            S.M.I.L.E Squad/MyAct

Community Excellence    George Reed, Inc.         A-TCAA

Ed Minium Legacy           Barry Hillman                YES Partnership SuicidePrevention

Lifetime Achievement      Betsy Danon                  Special Olympics