MH Community Foundation’s Philanthropy Night takes place Nov. 13

By Marty Cheek

The Morgan Hill Community Foundation’s annual Philanthropy Night recognizes the good work of local volunteers and philanthropists who embody the “Give Where You Live” spirit. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, this year’s awards ceremony will be conducted as a virtual event starting at 6:45 p.m. Nov. 13.

“Everyone’s daily lives have been turned upside down, and it’s natural for everyone to focus on making the best of their own situation,” said Steve Cox, chair of the 2020 Philanthropy Night. “But we can’t forget how others may be struggling more . . . By recognizing outstanding and special people and groups that support the nonprofits, we hope that will inspire the rest of the community to not forget those in need and help where they can.

The foundation has conducted a gala celebration of local philanthropy since 2005. Usually it is held at the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center where local men and women dress up to enjoy a gourmet meal and watch videos of the recipients receiving their honors. The virtual awards gala will stream live on several options including the foundation’s website, on a Facebook page, YouTube, or through a Zoom webinar link. The program will consist of live talks and pre-recorded videos highlighting nonprofits, honorees, and updates of what the foundation has accomplished during the past year. The master of ceremonies will be Jona Denz-Hamilton 94.5 Bay FM air personality and longtime emcee of the philanthropy event.

The virtual presentation is free to watch. The foundation is selling tickets for meals to help support its disaster relief fund as well as local restaurants. For every ticket purchased, $10 will go to MHCF’s newly created disaster relief fund.

“The impacts of COVID-19 on our community have been great and the Morgan Hill Community Foundation has granted about $48,000 this year for local nonprofits to help those in need with meals, rent assistance and a variety of social programs,” Cox said. “In addition, MHCF has worked with the Morgan Hill Unified School District and YMCA to help offset about $34,000 in tuition for essential workers childcare.”

The event offers community members the choice of a four-course meal from either Craft Roots, Ladera Grill, or Rosy’s at the Beach to be picked up before the streaming video and enjoyed at home during the program. There will also be an online silent auction running for the week leading up to the event. For tickets and information on auction items, visit www.morganhillcf.org

“We are very appreciative of sponsors for the Philanthropy Awards Event whose donations enable MHCF to provide grants to nonprofit organizations supporting our community,” said Bob Lipscomb, the foundation’s board vice president. “Through sponsorships, individual donations and the work of philanthropists, people in the Morgan Hill Area are working to make a difference in our community.”