United to Help
Santa Cruz Sentinel, April 3, 2007
Santa Cruz Style
A group of 100 volunteers, businesses and philanthropists were honored when the United Way of Santa Cruz County celebrated the completion of its 2006-1007 fundraising campaign with a luncheon on St. Patrick's Day.
More than $1 million was raised during the donation drive, noted Chris Maffia,
relationships manager of Santa Cruz County Bank who was chair of this year's
campaign. And because of hard work from those at the luncheon, "United Way is
able once again to support 33 health and human services programs aimed at
achieving success and independence for youth, elders, families, the disabled
and homeless persons"
Company of the Year award went to Graniterock of Watsonville, headed by President
and CEO Bruce Woolpert, who told the group how important it is to give back to the
community. Bank of America and Chaminade were honored as Sponsors of the Year; the
county's chief administrative office Susan Mauriello was named Volunteer of the Year
in recognition of her work as a United Way volunteer as well as her role as chairwoman
of the Women in Philanthropy group; Employee Campaign of the Year went to the Central
Coast Alliance for Health; while Campaign Coordinator of the Year was Liliana Nava
of Sutter Santa Cruz.
Rowland and Pat Rebele also were recognized for their donation to the Volunteer
Centers in memory of volunteer Thora Bautz, while Dominican Hospital and the
County of Santa Cruz were honored as outstanding community partners and Wells
Fargo Bank was named Outstanding Corporate Citizen, reported Anne Cawley of
United Way.
Assemblyman John Laird also was on hand to honor Judy Darnell of the United Way of
Santa Cruz as the 27th Assembly District's Woman of the Year. She is state
coordinator for Covering California's Children, a program aimed at providing
statewide health insurance for children.
Said Mary Lou Goeke, executive director of United Way: "This event is an
opportunity for so many generous donors and volunteer leaders who are making our
community strong to come together and cheer each other"
More than 200 people attended.