The Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership recently held its annual “Heart of Marin” awards ceremony, honoring local nonprofits and volunteers for their outstanding contributions to the community. This year, the event recognized eight categories of service and distributed a total of $35,000 in awards to deserving recipients.
Key Takeaways
- Over 100 nominees were considered for the awards.
- Christine Comaford was named Volunteer of the Year for her 26 years of service in hospice care.
- Awards were given in various categories, including youth volunteer and corporate community service.
Volunteer Of The Year
Christine Comaford, a dedicated caregiver with By the Bay Health hospice organization, was honored as the Volunteer of the Year. With 26 years of experience, including 16 years with By the Bay Health, Comaford has supported 64 individuals through the end-of-life process. She emphasized the importance of early hospice care, stating, "So many people bring in hospice when it’s a little bit late."
Awards And Recognitions
The awards ceremony took place on January 9 at the Marin Center Exhibit Hall in San Rafael. The following individuals and organizations were recognized:
- Excellence in Leadership Award: Caroline Peattie, Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California.
- Excellence in Board Leadership Award: David Bernard, San Geronimo Valley Community Center.
- Lifetime Achievement Awards: Donna Garske and Bettie Hodges, social activists.
- Youth Volunteer Honorees:
- Tess Belger, Project Awareness and Special Sports
- Hudson Blechman, 100+ Teens Who Care Bay Area
- Candice Lucas, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy
- Walt Novosardian, Youth Leadership Institute and Marin County Youth Commission
- Shea Sorcher, Marin County Sheriff Search and Rescue team.
- Corporate Community Service Award: Woodlands Pet Food and Treats.
- Excellence in Innovation Award: Marin Foster Care Association.
- Achievement in Nonprofit Excellence Award: Marin Child Care Council.
Financial Support
Each award, except for the corporate community service category, came with a $5,000 grant to support the winners’ ongoing efforts. The five youth volunteers each received $1,000 to further their initiatives.
Community Support
The event was made possible through the support of various sponsors, including BioMarin, Comerica Bank, Kaiser Permanente, the Marin Community Foundation, and Pacific Gas & Electric Co. Their contributions highlight the community’s commitment to supporting local nonprofits and the vital work they do.
The Heart of Marin awards not only celebrate the achievements of these organizations and individuals but also inspire others in the community to engage in volunteerism and support local causes. As Comaford noted, the impact of hospice care is profound, and early intervention can make a significant difference in the lives of families facing terminal diagnoses.
This annual event serves as a reminder of the power of community spirit and the importance of recognizing those who dedicate their time and resources to making Marin a better place for all.
Sources
- Marin nonprofits and volunteers honored for service, Marin Independent Journal.