Valley Churches United Missions had its 18th annual Angels of the Year awards dinner Dec. 6 to honor those whose contributions and support have helped VCUM’s programs in 2012.
Ten awards were presented during the celebration at Scopazzi’s in Boulder Creek to the following individuals, businesses and organizations.
Individuals
Sheri Greene was recognized for her work in VCUM’s food pantry, where she has worked as a volunteer since 2010 bagging and sorting food for distribution. VCUM also recognized her for being available when needed to serve as pantry manager Jane Hurlbut’s go-to person.
Andres Villa was honored for his “countless hours” of volunteer work maintaining, painting and repairing buildings and fences of VCUM’s headquarters, at 9400 Highway 9 in Ben Lomond.
Businesses of the Year
Andy Kinder was given an award for his work raising funds for VCUM and its programs by way of Birthday Ducky Derby event, as well as his work with Joe’s Bar in Boulder Creek on its own VCUM holiday project. Kinder has raised more than $6,000 for VCUM since 2001.
Masood’s Liquor & Deli was lauded for owner Masood Madani’s consistent efforts to generate money for VCUM’s pantry and holiday projects by way of the donation canister at his Ben Lomond store. Over the years, Madani’s business has contributed more than $7,000 to Valley Churches.
Church of the Year
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was honored for Public Affairs Director Wes Sims and the Mormon Helping Hands Project, which supplied 23 volunteers to paint the downstairs of the VCUM headquarters and perform grounds improvement and maintenance work.
Holiday Event Organizers
Century 21 Showcase of Scotts Valley raised more than $6,700 from 2010 to 2011 thanks to a fundraiser and community food drive to benefit VCUM, an effort spearheaded by Shannon Osburn and Randy Ziganti.
School Event of the Year
San Lorenzo Valley Middle School’s annual Winter Carnival organizers were recognized for their efforts leading the student-run festival, which since 1990 has contributed more than $33,000 of its proceeds to VCUM’s Valley Christmas Project.
Organizations of the Year
Dan Kelly was honored for his work organizing and promoting fundraiser golf events through the Boulder Creek Men’s Golf. Between his work with Boulder Creek Men’s Golf and the Friends of Alvin Scarborough Tournament, Kelly has helped raise more than $19,000 for VCUM since 1998.
Family Giving Tree of Milpitas has, since 2003, contributed more than $22,000 in backpacks for schoolchildren, as well as more than $71,000 toward holiday items. Ben Lomond resident John Jay and Family Giving Tree agency coordinator Celeste Delamore were instrumental in connecting the two organizations.
Media of the Year
Rosemary Chalmers of KSCO radio was recognized for her efforts to raise awareness about VCUM and its need for year-round donations to provide services and disaster relief. She was also recognized for her longtime efforts to provide information to the community when VCUM must activate its relief-oriented Disaster Team when flooding, earthquakes, fires, mudslides, road closures, and other natural disasters occur.
For information: www.vcum.org
