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Community Corner

Contra Costa/Tri-Valley Philanthropy Awards program seeks online nominations by August 15

Help the East Bay Leadership Council promote and honor good works in Contra Costa County and the Tri-Valley by submitting your nominations to the Third Annual Contra Costa/Tri-Valley Philanthropy Awards program by Thursday, August 15. The annual program recognizes outstanding contributions of time, leadership and financial support by businesses, individuals, families and nonprofit organizations throughout the region. Nominations are sought in communities throughout Contra Costa County and the Tri-Valley, including Livermore, Pleasanton and Dublin. 

The annual awards breakfast honoring nominees and award recipients will be held Thursday, November 7, from 7:30 to 10 a.m. at the Hilton Concord. The event is a project of the Council’s Social Responsibility Task Force.

Each nomination must come from a nonprofit or have a letter of support from a nonprofit. Organizations may make multiple nominations. Award categories include Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist (small, medium and large companies), Outstanding Philanthropist, Outstanding Foundation or Community Grant Maker, Outstanding Collaborative Project, Volunteer of the Year, Next Generation Philanthropist (new) and Lifetime Achievement. A prestigious panel representing all sectors of the community and government is formed each year to make the award selections. 

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“The awards program is dedicated to the generosity of the many great people and organizations that offer a richness in our region,” says Mark Hughes, who chairs the awards committee and will emcee the breakfast celebration in November. “Through it, we are working to build awareness and inspire many more organizations to get more involved in this work, which can transform companies and make a true difference in our communities.”

To access the Philanthropy Awards nomination form and eligibility details, see the nomination form on the Council website. For other questions, please contact Terry Shoaff at 925.246.1880. 

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Presenting the keynote at the November 7 breakfast celebration is Sid Espinosa, Microsoft's champion for philanthropy and citizenship in Silicon Valley. He is the former director of global philanthropy for HP, a Palo Alto City Council member and former mayor of Palo Alto. Espinosa has served on numerous boards of directors for business, nonprofit and educational organizations around the world, including the board of trustees at his undergraduate alma mater, Wesleyan University.

Philanthropy Award recipients in 2012 were:

  • Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist (over 500 employees): Wells Fargo
  • Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist (100 to 500 employees): Neiman Marcus, Walnut Creek
  • Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist (1 to 99 employees): InVision Communications
  • Outstanding Philanthropist: Mary Garaventa
  • Outstanding Foundation or Community Grant Maker: East Bay Community Foundation
  • Outstanding Collaborative Project: SparkPoint Contra Costa
  • Volunteer of the Year: Kay Aaker
  • Lifetime Achievement: Judy Lazarus

Title sponsor of the event is Wells Fargo, and presenting sponsor is Chevron. Other sponsorships are available. 

About the East Bay Leadership Council (formerly the Contra Costa Council): The Council, also referred to as the EBLC, is a private sector, public policy organization with a membership that includes business, nonprofit organizations, government, education and labor. The mission of the Council is to provide advocacy on public policy issues affecting the economic vitality and quality of life in the Greater East Bay region. For more information, see www.eastbayleadershipcouncil.com and follow us on twitter  and Facebook.

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