MHCF annual celebration returns with largest group of nominees to date
Published in the Oct. 29 – Nov. 11, 2014 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Staff Report
Morgan Hill can boast a long list of nonprofits that work hard to make things better for everyone. November’s National Philanthropy Month gives the community a chance to recognize the city’s unbreakable giving spirit.
The Morgan Hill Community Foundation is preparing to co-host with PG&E the 9th Annual Philanthropy Event, Nov. 14, at the Morgan Hill Community & Cultural Center.
Local philanthropists and volunteers nominated for outstanding contributions to nonprofits will be praised as individuals who exemplify altruistic kindness day-in and day-out.
To attend the community event, visit www.morganhillcf.org for information.
“Each one of the 2014 honorees seems to recognize that we all function together in a shared context that is made better with every positive contribution,” said Amy Whelan, president of the Morgan Hill Community Foundation. “They are part of creating something great for their nominating organizations and the community as a whole. It is a pleasure to see the results of their hard work and offer a heart-felt thank you on such a special occasion.”
Making the event as special as those who are honored are MHCF’s dedicated sponsors: the “MHCF Philanthropy Leader” South Bay Piping Industry; and “MHCF Event Sponsors” Heritage Bank and Paramit Corporation. This year’s 26 “Outstanding Philanthropists and Volunteers” are:
Susan Oldham-Fritts, American Association of University Women; Kami Pacheco, Child Advocates of Silicon Valley, Inc.; Jillian Dent, Community Solutions; Laura Gonzalez Escoto, Melissa A. Santos, Betty Beach, Kathy Carrera, Edward Boss Prado Foundation; Valerie Chambliss, Friends of the Morgan Hill Library; Ana Espinola, Leadership Morgan Hill; Carmen Guerrero, Learning and Loving Education Center; Dave Reisenauer, Morgan Hill Community Foundation; Janis Wagner Truelsen, Linda Cunningham, Morgan Hill Dog Owners Group; Teri Hennessey, Morgan Hill Historical Society; Emily Shem-Tov, Lisa Pampuch, Morgan Hill Library; Tracy Newquist, Morgan Hill Rotary Club; Bernie Mulligan, Morgan Hill Sister Cities Association & Mizuho Student Exchange; Nadia Ahmed, Nasreen Ahmed, Nancy Domnauer, Morgan Hill Youth Action Council; Nancy Lastra, Chris Freitas, Mt. Madonna YMCA; Patricia Jamison, One Step Closer Therapeutic Riding; Jona Denz Hamilton, Teachers Aid Coalition; Colleen Grzan, Wildlife Educations and Rehabilitation Center.
In addition to hosting the annual philanthropy celebration, the MHCF also offers an annual grant program every spring.
Updated applications will be available in January; qualifying local nonprofits are encouraged to apply by the March deadline.
The foundation also acts as a fiscal sponsor for and operates the business platform from which several local community groups and nonprofits can dive into their passions that make a visible, tangible and consistently positive difference for residents. Through its direct efforts, including an annual grant program, and those of its community partners, the foundation has awarded approximately $550,000 since its inception in 2002.
Some examples of activities within the MHCF family of partners includes: Teachers Aid Coalition (www.tacmh.org) is hosting “Chocolate and Wine for Valentine,” Feb. 7, to benefit students and teachers with much-needed classroom supplies.
The South Valley Athletic Foundation (www.southvalleywineauction.org) is hosting on March 21 the South Valley Wine Auction,” which generously supports athletic opportunities for public school youth.
In addition annual programs, there are many weekly and ongoing activities that need volunteers or support. Bingo fans can enjoy competitive fun on Tuesday nights at the CCC, hosted by the Friends of the Morgan Hill Senior Center, www.fmhsc.org.
Lastly, the Edward Boss Prado Foundation (www.edwardbossprado.org) provides a range of support daily through its educational programs, humanitarian work, and Cecelia’s Closet and Food Pantry.
