County-wide volunteer honors for two Valley youth
The annual Heart of Sonoma County event, produced by Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership, once again recognized Sonoma County’s nonprofit volunteers, leaders, and organizations for their outstanding contributions to local communities.
Nearly 300 community leaders, volunteers, elected officials, and business members attended the June 15 event at Friedman Event Center in Santa Rosa. Eighty-eight nominees were recognized across eight award categories, and recipients were announced for each award.
Five Youth Volunteer of the Year recipients received $1,000 each in scholarship funds. Two of the winners were recognized for their work in the Sonoma Valley.
Faline Howard, Sonoma Ecology Center, where she started an initiative for the Sonoma Ecology Center to develop habitat for the endangered monarch butterflies throughout Sonoma Valley, Santa Rosa, and Rohnert Park.
Jonathan Ling, was recognized for his work at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, for his service as a Visitor Center Attendant, assisting visitors and the public and helping to maintain the public areas of the park.
Youth Volunteer of the Year awards also went to: Sofia Fonseca, Goatlandia Farm Animal Sanctuary; Memphis Roetter, Redwood Empire Food Bank; and Grace Hiserote, Petaluma Health Center.
Some of the other honorees:
- Excellence in Leadership Award was presented to: Duskie Estes, Farm to Pantry.
- Award for Achievement in Nonprofit Excellence: LifeWorks of Sonoma County.
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Richard Coshnear.
- Volunteer of the Year Award: Stella Agudelo, Catholic Charities of Santa Rosa.
- Award for Excellence in Innovation: Side by Side’s Raices Unidas program.
- Excellence in Board Leadership Award: Rodney DeMartini, Food For Thought.
- Corporate Community Service Award: Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa
Since 1964, CVNL has advanced nonprofits and volunteerism by strengthening leadership, encouraging innovation, and empowering individuals in their communities. It offers comprehensive programs that support nonprofits and volunteers including Learning & Leadership programs and trainings, executive search, customized consulting solutions, volunteer matching, and corporate engagement.
Visit www.cvnl.org to discover more.
