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Past Winners
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Hands Across The Valley Awards 2017
"Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart." -Elizabeth Andrew
In 1968, HandsOn Central California began hosting the annual Hands Across the Valley Volunteer Awards Luncheon in recognition and celebration of our community’s volunteers. This heart-warming event honors individuals and groups, who have made a difference by generously giving their time and talent to improve the quality of life in our Valley. The event raises the profile of civic engagement and advocates for citizens to make positive change in their communities.
This event honors individuals and groups who have made a difference by generously giving their time and energy to address challenges in 5 counties: Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, and Tulare.
And the Winners Were...
We would like to thank all of our nominees and nominators for all the community-changing work they do and for supporting Hands Across the Valley.
HandsOn Central California received 95 outstanding nominations about amazing volunteers from across the Central Valley. Using a cadre of Central Valley stakeholders to review and rank applications, specific individuals stood out for each category.
HAVA 2017 Winners
Corporate/Business Volunteer or Group
Fresno Rescue Mission and St. Vincent De Paul
College Student Volunteer of the Year Awardee
Jackie Espinosa, Community Food Bank
Health Care Volunteer
Kathy Flaherty, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Inc.
Service Club/Organization
Fresno Adventist Academy
Parent Volunteer
Shannon Warmack, Farmdale Elementary School
School Volunteer
Teresa Holdman, Mario G. Olmos Elementary School
Love of Animals
Robin Bell, Friends of Madera Animal Shelter
RSVP Volunteer
Vallorie Borchardt, Girl Scouts of Central California South
Youth Volunteer
Emiko Diaz, Valley Animal Center
Adult Volunteer
Nancy Kast, Fresno County Library
Lifetime Achievement
Deborah Riordan, Central Valley Veterans
Kathy Flaherty, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Inc.
Presentation of these awards and recognition of all nominees were held at a luncheon, April 26th, 2017 at the Veterans Memorial Hall in Clovis CA.
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HandsOn Central California was awarded Guidestar's Gold Star Transparency Award for transparency in what donations were recieved and how they were used by the agency in 2022. Donate with confidence!
