Elaine Kovanda thought she wouldn’t receive any more awards this
year, but she was recently surprised to find she’ll be honored by
the Boy Scouts at their annual Holiday Gala fundraiser.
Elaine Kovanda thought she wouldn’t receive any more awards this year, but she was recently surprised to find she’ll be honored by the Boy Scouts at their annual Holiday Gala fundraiser.
The event, titled “Honoring Today’s Leaders and Building the Leaders of Tomorrow,” will award four people from each region of the Central Coast with the Humanitarian Good Turn Award.
Kovanda, who was named 2001 Woman of the Year by the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce has received the Jefferson Award for community service from Salinas TV station KSBW, has been involved with the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts for about 18 years, and has two sons who are Eagle Scouts.
“I didn’t think there were many other awards I can win,” Kovanda said jokingly. “It’s wonderful, and I feel very humble about the whole situation. I’m excited and looking forward to it.”
Kovanda keeps a busy schedule of volunteer work between teaching Boy Scout merit badge classes on citizenship in the community, nation and the world and being a board member of Community Pantry, which she helped found. She has also helped run San Benito High School’s Baler Basketball Boosters for the past 14 years.
“She’s done a great deal for the community and youth. She’s been involved in Boy Scouts and other organizations,” said Ron Walsh, assistant scout executive. “She truly lives the Scout Oath and Law in her life.”
The event, at the Monterey Marriott hotel Nov. 23, will feature dinner, two auctions and the award presentation. There will be silent and live auctions with items that include trips to Hawaii, Disney World and the Bahamas, a weekend in Santa Barbara, and overnight stays in Monterey and Carmel.
Dinner is included with the event’s cost. Tickets are $150 for general seating (charitable value of $80) and $250 for the presidents club (charitable value of $135). Proceeds benefit the Boy Scouts. For reservations call (831) 422-5338 or (800) 442-7945.
