Non-profits gather to single out the best among them
An aura of goodness and goodwill filled San Juan Oaks as
volunteers from the county’s non-profit agencies gathered to honor
those among them who have given the most.
Non-profits gather to single out the best among them
An aura of goodness and goodwill filled San Juan Oaks as volunteers from the county’s non-profit agencies gathered to honor those among them who have given the most.
In honor of National Philanthropy Day last Friday, 38 people were singled out as being the key to the success of a like number of organizations.
“It’s the one time of year we get to honor ourselves,” said Bernie Furman, President of the Community Foundation of San Benito County, the organization that put together the 2nd Annual Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon.
It’s a way of paying tribute to the people who put in after-work and weekend hours to make things happen that make it worth living in San Benito County. The local twist is that the organizations get to pick their own honorees.
As guests worked through the salmon and salad towards the chocolate mousse, Mistress of Ceremonies Marilyn Darby moved from table to table, giving the microphone to speakers who introduced the honorees. One man recognized for his good deeds was former Sheriff Harvey Nyland, who helped the Aromas-San Juan Unified School District pass a school bond measure in the spring elections by writing letters and lobbying.
“I was very happy to be honored,” said Nyland. “I don’t know if I did very much for them or not, but I always support the school and like to do whatever I can for them.”
That kind of modesty was not hard to find at the luncheon and it was embodied by Dave Baumgartner, who stoically received his plaudits from the Hospice of the Central Coast, for being the emcee at the Trees of Life fundraiser for the last nine years.
“I don’t have the ability or skills to take care of people like the Hospice people, but I can lead a meeting and be an emcee,” said Baumgartner, who earlier this year was named the Citizen of the Year by the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce.
Besides giving a hand to the helping hands of San Benito County, the event was an opportunity for the Community Foundation to unveil its proposed Volunteer Bank.
People interested in volunteering would give their name and preferred times or types of duties to the foundation. When a local non-profit organization needs help, the Community Foundation can forward the list of potential volunteers that fit the criteria.
“But you don’t have to volunteer, you can always say no.” said Byrne.
A leadership committee will hammer out the details after Thanksgiving.
