Honorees will be celebrated Nov. 15
by Staff Report
Last year’s recipients of the Philanthropy Night event.
Photo courtesy Susan Brazelton
It’s no secret the South Valley region has plenty of generous people and organizations that make the quality of life great for many people. Next month, the Morgan Hill Community Foundation will spotlight their contributions of time and talent during the years.
Many of these volunteers will be honored by the MHCF at the 14th annual Philanthropy Night Awards Gala at the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center starting 6 p.m. Nov. 15. The evening celebration revolves around recognizing groups and individuals who have gone above and beyond to support local nonprofit organizations in Morgan Hill and San Martin.
The MHCF board of directors celebrating during last year’s Philanthropy Night award dinner.
Photo courtesy Susan Brazelton
“While we honor so many amazing individuals that night, we also take a look forward. The MHCF is constantly looking for individuals, causes and great ideas to enhance our community and create critical services,” said Pamala Meador, president of the foundation’s board. “If you have a passion for our community, if you want to be at the forefront of all the great and wonderful things that can happen in our community, the Morgan Hill Community Foundation wants you.”
Twenty-one nonprofit organizations will come together to honor and award 23 groups and individuals during the evening celebration held at the Morgan Hill Community & Cultural Center, said Steve Cox, a director at MHCF and co-chair of the Philanthropy Night committee.
Silicon Valley Clean Energy has joined with the MHCF to co-host the event that highlights local wineries and other vendors as well as celebrating honorees, he said.
The evening festivities will include a beer, wine, and appetizer reception with entertainment. Recently opened Craft Roots will provide beer while several local wineries including Guglielmo, Dorcich Family Vineyards, Clos LaChance, and Russian River Vineyards are contributing wine. Local caterer Lou Zulaica of Cellar Door Catering will craft and serve food for the night.
“Rather than shine a spotlight on our own organization, MHCF’s goal is to highlight local nonprofits, local volunteers, and local businesses that make Morgan Hill the best city in the Bay Area,” Cox said. “Not only do we get to recognize the contributions to our community, but we offer a venue for active members of our community to learn more about other organizations and discover new ways to contribute.”
A handful of new participants joined the event this year including Morgan Hill Community Garden, Visit Morgan Hill, and Mizuho Morgan Hill Student Exchange. They’ll join 18 other organizations including Edward Boss Prado Foundation, Poppy Jasper International Film Festival, Morgan Hill Historical Society, and many more to honor a person, organization, or group that has made significant contributions to the mission and values of the nonprofit.
During the dinner portion of the event guests will be shown a video montage from each organization, learning more about what that organization does as well as recognizing their outstanding volunteer. Tickets are $125 each and available at www.morganhillcf.org.
