Mark your calendar now and plan to join us in-person or online Friday, April 26th from 4pm to 6pm at the new home of Sierra Nonprofit Services.
Over the past 17 years, Sierra Nonprofit Services has proudly presented the annual “Volunteers, the Heart of Tuolumne County” Awards which allows a distinguished panel of local citizens to recognize all the nominated volunteers for the contributions they have given of themselves and awards the winner of each category with a cash grant that can be donated to the cause or organization of their choice.
This year, with assistance from WorkPlace Sonora and BGA Media, we are reinventing our program to bring these well-deserved recognitions to a greater audience by presenting for the first time The Vollies – live! – on Facebook and on the web from our new home in downtown Sonora. It promises to be an exciting evening where our volunteer community is acknowledged and appreciated!
For 2019, we decided to do something that takes both the Volunteer Awards and the vision of Sierra Nonprofit Services up to a new level of recognition and presentation. In addition to honoring our 2018 Award Winners, we will also revisit the causes they supported last year. We will also highlight our faithful Sponsors who offer their support every year, as well as give a special nod of appreciation to the Judges who provide both wisdom and years of experience in service to our community.
As this will not be a regular Awards event, Sierra Nonprofit Services will take part in this year’s Volunteer Fair and will work to refine and improve the Awards event overall. This means we will not be accepting nominations this year. Instead, keep your eyes open for a new nomination form for 2020, with updated guidelines and nominating criteria.
Sierra Nonprofit Services hopes that you can take part in this unique and groundbreaking “Vollies” event. For more information, please contact us at 209-533-1093 or email us at info@sierranonprofit.org.
Those interested in attending in-person are invited to join us for complimentary food and beverages at The Apex at WorkPlace Sonora, our new headquarters at 320 W. Stockton Street. Help us honor the volunteers whose enthusiasm, dedication, and hard work makes life better for all who live in Tuolumne County. We hope to see you there!
Previous Awards Program
Each year, Sierra Nonprofit Services proudly presents a springtime luncheon to acknowledge and reward the many individuals and local organizations who selflessly donate their time and services in our volunteer community. In this, our 16th YEAR, we continue the tradition of honoring those whose compassion and hard work makes life better for all who live in Tuolumne County.
This special “Volunteers, the Heart of Tuolumne County” Awards Luncheon allows a distinguished panel of local citizens to recognize EACH and EVERY nominee for the contributions that they give of themselves, and awards the winner of each category with a cash grant that can be donated to the cause or organization of their choice. Everyone is recognized and appreciated!
2017 Award Winners
Gregory Oliver (center) with Catherine Driver (left) of Catholic Charities, and Cathie Peacock (right) of Interfaith, and Ron Patel of Black Oak Casino, Extra Mile Award Sponsor.
Gregory Oliver (Extra Mile)
The Extra Mile Award is given to an individual who has a passion for service to our community. A prize of $500.00 was donated to Interfaith and Catholic Charities.
“Gregory’s combination of professional skills infused with his sense of practical community service is a testament to his understanding and compassion.”
Cathie Peacock (left) of Kiwanis Club International, 2017 Volunteer’s Champin Award Winner, with Shana Wren (right), Maynord’s Recovery Center, award sponsor.
Kiwanis Club (Volunteer Champion)
Awarded to a nonprofit organization that does an outstanding job of supporting and recognizing its volunteers. A prize of $500.00 was donated to the Kiwanis Club Senior Smoke Detector Program, and the Back to School Children’s Shopping Spree.
Perhaps the greatest reward that Kiwanis members can give themselves is the knowledge and satisfaction that all contributions – time, effort, and actions – have resulted in profound and immeasurable assurances of appreciation.”
Alyssa DeAnda, with Keanan Whitman, of Sonora Sunrise Rotary, award sponsor.
Alissa DeAnda (Never Too Young)
This is awarded to a young person between the ages of 6 and 18 who sees beyond themselves and works to improve our community. A prize of $500.00 was donated to the S.M.I.L.E Squad, and MyAct programs. The S.M.I.L.E Squad, an after school youth program, used their gift to complete the building of a “little food pantry” for non-perishable food and goods for those in need, placed at Jamestown School.
“Alissa’s examples of concern, leadership, combined with her record of success, will continue to inspire others.
George Reed, Incorporated (Community Excellence)
The Community Excellence award is given to a for-profit business that promotes volunteerism among their employees and supports nonprofits in our community. A prize of $500.00 was donated to A-TCAA.
George was unable to be at the Luncheon in person–no doubt they were busy being an example of a business that keeps their eye on serving their community!
Greg Falken, of WorkPlace Sonora, Community Excellence Award Sponsor, with donation check on behalf of George Reed, Inc, for A-TCAA.
“George Reed Inc has the best interest of our community in mind. They donate time, materials and expertise throughout the community. They volunteered to do the improvements on the Dragoon Gulch Trail for the City of Sonora. George Reed saved the community countless dollars at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds by providing the materials and expertise to complete needed repairs. They have supported the Mentoring Works program and other A-TCAA fund raisers. This is just a short list, but there is certainly more!”
Barry Hillman (Judges Special Award – Ed Minium Legacy)
This award is selected from the current nominations by the panel of judges for special acknowledgment. A prize of $500.00 was donated to YES Partnership Suicide Prevention.
Ed Minium Legacy Judges Special Award Winner Barry Hillman (center), donates $500 to YES Partnership Director Bob White. Award Sponsor Mother Lode Internet’s Ben Hulet, right.
“Barry’s leadership and vision influenced the many volunteers whom he also credits to the program’s accomplishments, and the time he continues to provide only underscores why we recognize him here today.”
Betsy made a $1000 gift, from the Sonora Area Foundation, to Special Olympics Tuolumne County. Pictured here is Special Olympics Director Dave Du Cheney.
Betsy Danon
Betsy Danon
(Lifetime Achievement Award)
Awarded to an individual in honor of a lifetime of volunteer service that has positively impacted our community. A prize of $1,000.00 was donated to the Special Olympics.
“Over her lifetime, Betsy has worked in programs that serve those with special needs or disabilities. Her words of encouragement and displays of dedication motivates others to participate and find their voices.”
We would like to thank the sponsors that are making the 2017 Tuolumne County Volunteer Awards Luncheon possible!
