In what has become an annual tradition, for the 16th year running, Valley Churches United Mission recognized its Angels of the Year at Scopazzi’s Restaurant in Boulder Creek last weekend.
The people and groups graced with Angel awards Dec. 2 have given extraordinary service to the valley nonprofit.
Individuals of the year
Valley Churches singled out Michael Liston in the food pantry, Richard Harbison with the senior program, Al and Lynn Frischmann in the holiday boutique and Jean Van Ausdall as administrative staff for particular kudos in 2010.
Youth Angels
Scotts Valley Cub Scout Troop 604, a longtime partner, has participated in canned food drives and has packaged and sold mistletoe since 1987. Most recently, the Scouts hosted a book sale that has raised $1,400 in two years.
Business of the year
Henfling’s Firehouse Tavern has worked with Valley Churches since the storms of 1982 by selling raffle tickets, hosting fundraisers and concerts and pitching in the contents of “Grandma’s Swear Can” — people at the establishment are fined $1 a word for swearing — to buy food for the nonprofit.
Organization of the year
Ben Lomond Fire Department, which distributed 36,000 sand bags throughout the valleys during the flood of 1982, earned kudos as a partner with Valley Churches. Retired chief John Charcho and his wife also have volunteered their personal time and contributed more than $15,000 since 2005.
Church of the year
San Agustin Catholic Church of Scotts Valley has collected food during holiday drives and helped with Valley Churches’ school backpack drives. The St. Vincent DePaul food pantry works with VCUM each year, and the Peacemakers religious education program raises money for needy folks.
Media of the year
Active in the valley for many years, Bob Gliner of Gliner Documentary Productions and his wife, Susan, filmed Valley Churches’ 2009 holiday work and captured the essence of its mission.
Memorial recognition
**Jack Niswinder volunteered from 2005 to 2010.
20-year volunteers
**Jane Hurlbut, Louise Beagle and Susan Kamprath
