They work quietly and diligently to keep organizations running
smoothly. Without them, many events would not happen and many
services would not be provided.
”
They
”
are volunteers, and 45 of them were recognized Friday in
conjunction with National Philanthropy Day.
They work quietly and diligently to keep organizations running smoothly. Without them, many events would not happen and many services would not be provided.
“They” are volunteers, and 45 of them were recognized Friday in conjunction with National Philanthropy Day.
“Volunteers are so quiet and shy, and they want to remain anonymous. They slip in and out, unnoticed. Today (Friday) is about them, not their organizations,” said Gary Byrne, executive director of Community Foundation for San Benito County, which organized the third annual National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon.
Representatives from more than 40 local non-profit organizations presented certificates of recognition to volunteers within their organization stating why the volunteer was chosen. More than 200 people were present at the luncheon. State Assemblyman Simon Salinas also attended the event.
“This is the only time of year for non-profits to honor their own,” said Bernie Furman, president of Community Foundation.
To illustrate how active and great the number of volunteers are in the small community, Furman compared San Benito County’s celebration to that of Santa Cruz and Monterey counties’. At the 12th annual event, both counties had 410 people present representing 62 organizations. The population of both counties in 2000 was 658,000; compared to San Benito’s population of 54,000 with 200 attendees and 45 organizations, Furman said.
Kathryn Engelhard of the American Red Cross presented a certificate to the only company honored at the luncheon – San Benito Bank. The business is “a true corporate citizen,” with employees who give their time, talent and energy, she said.
“Leading lady” Shirley Sergent was presented a certificate from the San Benito Stage Company’s Sean Morrison for being the “heart of the stage company.”
“You’ve been an invaluable member of the San Benito Stage Company,” Morrison said of the San Benito High School junior.
Gary Sandifir and Darrin Del Curto were recognized for their part in establishing Emmaus House, a shelter for battered women and children. The two volunteered their time and expertise in contracting.
“Without these two individuals, we would not have gotten as far as we have,” said David Rodriguez of Emmaus House.
Volunteers young and old have some things in common – they’re dedicated, reliable and serve as mentors for others.
Colleen Conley of the Janet Graham Memorial Fund looks up to Muree Reafs.
“She’s the first one in the office everyday and the last one gone. She’s a mentor and she’s served as a guiding light,” Conley said.
Community Pantry will be celebrating its 15th year in 2004 because of its volunteers, said Executive Director Tom Larkin.
Toward the end of the event, Lucia Aguilar-Navarro with the San Benito Prevention Coalition relayed how she finds volunteers like Lupe Maldonado.
“I was once told, ‘If you need something done, find someone who doesn’t have time,'” she said.
