‘Philanthropists’ thanked for giving of time and talent
Published in the November 9 – 22, 2016 issue of Morgan Hill Life
CLICK HERE TO SEE LIST OF 2016 MHCF HONOREES
By Marty Cheek
Photo courtesy MHCF: The Morgan Hill Community Foundation board at last year’s Philanthropy Celebration. This year, 32 individuals were thanked for their contributions to various nonprofit organizations in the community.
Morgan Hill has many organizations large and small that contribute day in and day out to improving the quality of life in the city. And 32 South Valley residents who volunteer their time and talent in various nonprofit groups received recognition from the Morgan Hill Community Foundation at its 11th Annual Philanthropy Celebration.
The event was held at the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center Friday Nov. 4. With the theme of “Imagine the Possibilities,” acrobatic performers entertained guests with circus acts. The foundation hosted the event to spotlight the spirit of philanthropy and thank the people who give themselves to a greater cause. Its goal is a combination of featuring an abstract goal, such as philanthropy, and applying gratitude to the names and faces of the people who bring philanthropy to life. This event was a way to bring residents together to see the progress various groups are all making and the good they do. The goal of the evening was not for one nonprofit to be singled out as a winner but to make sure all honorees felt appreciated for their contributions.
The event honored the largest group of honorees the foundation has yet seen, showing not only the commitment that each individual brings to local nonprofits, but also that the number of those involved in philanthropy seems to be growing, said MHCF President Rene Spring.
“Philanthropy in Morgan Hill has evolved into an undeniable component of Morgan Hill’s character and community spirit,” he said. “As the foundation has grown, too, we have seen so many possibilities open up, not only for people looking to give back but also for the breadth of help offered to those in need. The theme is a nod to the future and encouraging the positive, collective momentum to continue.”
The growth of the event’s number of individuals honored implies that volunteerism is growing in Morgan Hill, he said.
“If you asked our honorees, I would think they will tell you that it brings them joy to be a part of something positive,” Spring said. “Most of our honorees are quite shy and too humble to say so directly, but their generosity does actually make a difference. The foundation’s philanthropy event and the honorees’ work reminds us all that we do better when we apply ourselves to something positive.”
