Community service hero gets ‘Wheels to Prosper’

Irene Morgan, recipient of the fifth annual Wheels to Prosper car giveaway, takes the keys to her gleaming reconditioned car from Dino DiGuilio, right, and his son Chance.

The owner of Body Best, Dino DiGuilio, started the giveaway program as a way to
“put good people in good cars so they can do more good in the community.”

This year, Chance helped out by doing the bulk of the body work, at his dad’s shop, as his Sonoma Valley High School senior project.

A third-generation Sonoman, Morgan has been active with veterans groups, food drives, La Luz, St. Francis Solano Church, Prestwood and Sassarini Schools, and has helped seniors who are housebound by delivering food and supplies, among many other volunteer endeavors.

“Irene is a role model in the volunteerism in Sonoma Valley,” wrote Jack Ding. “She has contributed energy and time for the betterment of Sonoma. She is one of the few people who are selfless and ready to help people in need, whether she knows them or not.”

Morgan is working as a teacher’s assistant, and recently returned to college to become and educator herself. Owning a safe, trustworthy vehicle makes that, and her continued volunteer work, possible.

Morgan was chosen from nominations of local people contributing to the community. The program, which includes partnerships with Pacific Rim Auto Repair and North Bay Insurance, will continue with another vehicle giveaway next July.