Individuals from 18 local nonprofits are recognized

By Calvin Nuttall

The Morgan Hill Community Foundation honored many of the men and women who have given much to make life in South Valley better at an elegant Nov. 18 gala hosted at the Community and Cultural Center.

“This observance recognizes individuals, organizations, and businesses who, by their contribution of time, talent, and treasure, enrich our great community,” said Mayor Pro Tem Gino Borgioli, speaking to the attendees. “Philanthropy Night is geared toward recognizing the good work of our volunteers and philanthropists who embody ‘give-where-you-live’ spirit.”

The MHCF is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization that acts as an umbrella group for its partners, local organizations that work for the betterment of the community. The foundation offers its partners a way to join an existing nonprofit and receive the benefits of its mature network, without having to undergo the administrative legwork needed to create a new, independent nonprofit from scratch.

“Really, our mission is to support and grow other nonprofits,” said Steve Cox, secretary of the MHCF board of directors and Philanthropy Night co-chair.

This makes it easy for aspiring volunteers and philanthropists to start making an impact in their communities right away, he said.

“What’s so great about the Morgan Hill Community Foundation is that if you don’t have a passion for building a 501c(3), but you have a passion for something, we provide that for you,” said Pamala Meador, MHCF board member.

During the ceremonies, Borgioli announced November is to be celebrated as Philanthropy Month in Morgan Hill going forward.

“Philanthropy Month acknowledges the entire spectrum of services provided by the community and their impact on society today,” he said.

The event showcased the work of its participating nonprofits through a pre-recorded video montage where volunteers from each group described the work they do. In past years, participants spoke in person. But as the foundation grew to support more partners, a video projected on a big screen became an optimal format for ensuring each nonprofit receives the time and attention it deserves.

Also honored during the ceremonies were the event sponsors Persing Family Fund, Ladera Grill, Silicon Valley Clean Energy, Hayes Financial, the Edward Boss Prado Foundation, and the South Valley Science and Engineering Initiative.

“They really are our biggest source of funding that go into our grants, and make this event possible,” Cox said.

Individuals inspired by the efforts of the philanthropists and volunteers honored at the gala can contact the Morgan Hill Community Foundation to start looking for ways to give back, he said.

“Being an all-volunteer board has challenges, so we are looking for volunteer support,” Cox said. “If you’d like to get involved and support the entire community, including multiple nonprofits, reach out to us. And we’d love to have volunteers.”

Here are this year’s honorees:

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

Calvin Nuttall is a Morgan Hill resident who has a passion for science, technology and politics.