Galas inspire all Morgan Hill residents to give of their time and talent to promote the quality of life in our community.

The Morgan Hill Youth Action Council receives an honor at a past Philanthropy Night event.

This editorial is the opinion of Morgan Hill Life

Congratulations to the many men and women who have given so much to the South Valley community through the organizations they have helped over the years. The  Morgan Hill Community Foundation’s 2022 Philanthropy Night will put a spotlight on these people Nov. 18 at the gala held in the Community and Cultural Center.

The core mission of the foundation is to support local philanthropic non-profit organizations by connecting local donors to charitable causes and organizations to support community needs, said board member and Philanthropy Night Co-Chair Steve Cox. The gala is its major annual event and fundraiser. It highlights Morgan Hill’s local nonprofits and many people who give back.

“During the dinner, guests will see a video montage where they can learn more about participating local nonprofits and the individuals who have given so much back in support of their mission,” Cox said. “The Morgan Hill Community Foundation is an all-volunteer nonprofit, and proceeds from our event are used to fund grants supporting local projects and initiatives by local charitable nonprofit organizations.”

Here are this year’s recipients:

  • Janet Wright — American Association of University Women, Morgan Hill branch

  • Robin Lipscomb — Child Advocates of Silicon Valley

  • Jenny Zuercher — City of Morgan Hill Youth Action Council (YAC)

  • Jessie Nazzal — Community Law Enforcement Foundation of Morgan Hill (C.L.E.F.)

  • CAL FIRE (Morgan Hill / South County) — Edward Boss Prado Foundation

  • Terrance Hunter — Empowering the Fatherless

  • Mike Cox — Leadership Morgan Hill

  • Cheri Brown — Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce

  • Ron & Shirlee Locicero — Morgan Hill Community Foundation

  • Sue Olt — Morgan Hill Historical Society

  • Matt Wendt — Order of Malta – San Jose Location

  • Mary Ellison — Poppy Jasper International Film Festival

  • Mario Banuelos — Rotary Club of Morgan Hill

  • Emmie Turan — Sister Cities of Morgan Hill

  • Rhonda McClinton-Brown — Susan and Charles Berghoff Foundation

  • Edward Boss Prado Foundation — Rebekah Children’s Services

  • Gary Ponzini — Youth Alliance

  • Boys and Girls Club of Silicon Valley — EAH Housing

Another gala recognizing the people who generously serve our community is the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce’s popular Celebrate event. It is scheduled to take place March 12. Nominations are open until 5 p.m. Nov. 21 to recognize individuals, organizations and businesses that make a difference. Categories are: Man of the Year, Woman of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Student of the Year, Educator of the Year, Large Business (21 employees or more) and Small Business (20 employees or less) of the Year, Nonprofit of the Year, Special Merit Award, and Legacy Award.

We hope the work of individuals and organizations who are honored at the Philanthropy Night and next year’s Celebrate galas inspire all Morgan Hill residents to give of their time and talent to make sure we protect and enhance the quality of life in our community.