Volunteers, The Heart of Tuolumne County
Sonora, Ca — Many of those who volunteer their time to make the Mother Lode a better place to live were recognized today at the 11th annual “Volunteers, Are The Heart of Tuolumne County” awards luncheon organized by Sierra Nonprofit Services.
Board Chair and VISTA Program Supervisor for Sierra NonProfit Services, Amy Falken, says the six awards “honor the love, heart and work of volunteer organizations or individuals in Tuolumne County.”
The Extra Mile Award was given to Nancy Scott for Nancy’s Hope thrift store and boutique for several programs providing clothing for interviewees, formal dresses for school dances, clothing and supplies for Moms, school children and more.
The Ed Minium Legacy Award named in honor of this event’s founder, went to Jerry Kahl, a Pro-Bono Attorney with the Legal Advocacy for Seniors Program with Catholic Charities.
The Volunteer Champion Award went to The Black Hat Foundation, for fundraising and the Black and White Ball.
The Never Too Young Award went to Sonora teen Justine Abbot. Abbot has been a volunteer at Sonora Regional Medical Center, with the American Cancer Society, the Humane Society, and several other local service organizations.
The Community Excellence Award was given to the Avalon Health Care Activity Department, which includes Shirley Roberson, and Joan Porter, for bringing birthday cards and presents to the residents, Jack Sabo and Jean Bolt for visiting residents, and several music performers-programs including Jack Ward, Marge Rickman, Joe and Gladys Freitas, Flo Grigss, Ulysses Verceles, Ken Buffalo, and Dan Williams.
The Lifetime Achievement Award when to Diane Doddridge. Among many things Doddridge is a volunteer with WATCH, helps SCC inmates with GED preparation, and keeps the Lambert House for people with mental health challenges open on Sundays.
All awardees receive cash prizes to donate to their favorite non-profit charity. The awards were funded by: Sonora Area Foundation, Black Oak Casino, Sierra NonProfit Services, Sonora Sunrise Rotary Club and Sonora Regional Medical Center.
