The first part of the VRR consisted of mingling and enjoying light refreshments, the latter of which were graciously provided by our Habitat homeowners and committee volunteers. In addition to our major supporters, homeowners and staff in attendance, we invited all volunteers who have served with us at least five times for the duration of our Kenwood and Sherman builds, either at the sites or behind-the-scenes. As a special treat, our pro bono attorney, Tom Bunn, shared his musical talent on the piano. The good food, great music and beautiful grounds provided the perfect atmosphere for our volunteers to reconnect with each other and the families they served.
The second part of the event was our affiliate's opportunity to formally thank some of our most devoted supporters with Habitat awards. Most of the awards are created each year through the joint donations of David Lazier at Nelson Nameplates and Bill Anderson, our ReStore manager. Recipients of the Loyal Order of the Bent Nail, who all spent at least 200 hours on site at Kenwood or Sherman, included Joan Bouchard, Mike Brander, Harry Curley, Reverend Gregory Douglass, Wally Drake, John Duxbury, Adrian Krag, Fran Maliszewski and Mike Morales.
We have just as many volunteers who serve equal amounts of time (or more!) serving on committees, fundraising and volunteering at the ReStore and/or office, earning them the Loyal Order of the Helping Hands; this year's recipients were Anne Bockenkamp, Reverend Gregory Douglass, Ken Hunt, Alan Ikuta, the Islamic Congregation of La Cañada Flintridge, Sharyn Delahousie Lewis, Monrovia's Mayor Mary Ann Lutz, Paul McAnnally-Linz, Sona Mooradian, Jim Mullen, husband-and-wife team Jefferson Palmer & Pam Remai, Stefanie Rico, David Sieving, Elaine Wilkerson and Peter Zovak.
Those who have supported us year after year (and have typically already been awarded Helping Hands) and taken on a leadership role in fund development and/or committees are given the Golden Heart: Reverend James Anderson, Jan Berentsen, Darlene Hubanks, Sue Koury and Nina Perry.
Our Executive Director and the Board of Directors jointly select one person to receive the Ace Cain Humanitarian Award; this award, named after our affiliate founder, is given to someone who has provided long-term, transformational service, commitment and leadership. We are proud to announce that this year's recipient is Joan McCarthy, who has worked with us through Disney to provide overwhelming support over numerous years.
The third part of our program included brief speeches by two families -- the Quiroz family from our Sherman build in Monrovia and the Menjivar family from our Kenwood build in Glendale. They shared both humorous and touching stories of how their lives have been transformed since moving into their homes.
The afternoon concluded with a deeply moving slideshow/movie documenting the progress of the Kenwood build, created entirely by Pam Remai. Stay tuned for a preview of her movie! Afterwards, it was finally my opportunity to actually talk with the attendees, which include some of my very favorite people. Our volunteers and homeowner families are truly what keep the staff motivated and inspired!
The afternoon concluded with a deeply moving slideshow/movie documenting the progress of the Kenwood build, created entirely by Pam Remai. Stay tuned for a preview of her movie! Afterwards, it was finally my opportunity to actually talk with the attendees, which include some of my very favorite people. Our volunteers and homeowner families are truly what keep the staff motivated and inspired!
I also want to very briefly thank those who helped me pull off this year's VRR -- I truly couldn't have done it without Connie Alamdari and the Ladies of Guadalupe, Ivonne Contreras, Jim Davis, Cheryl Torricelli, Girl Scout Cadet Troop #125-6 and, most of all, the amazing Carol Martin. Thank you!
Check out pictures from the event, courtesy of photographer Benjamin Simpson!
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