Canyon City Foundation is again excited for the second year to highlight volunteerism in Azusa with the Engage and Ignite Volunteer Award.
In 2019 the Foundation Board of Directors received the following nominees:
- Calvin Russo and Judy Hefty from the Azusa City Library
- George Romero from Helping Hands
- Kim Antol and Sonia Ramirez from Neighborhood Homework House
- Rose Wentz from Soroptimist of Azusa-Glendora
Along with the Foundation’s three selected honorees:
- David Grinsdale from Azusa Rotary
- Leslie Mejia from Neighborhood Homework House
- Joe Perez from St. Frances of Rome, Knights of Columbus and Azusa Golden Days
The Foundation is excited to honor all of the nominees. Each nominee exhibits a value of engaging in their community by giving back. The Board of Directors hope that their individual efforts will ignite in others a desire to become involved.
There were two nominees selected for Honorable Mention. They were: LESLIE MEJIA and DAVID GRINSDALE.
Leslie Mejia is a young adult who has been a recipient of services from the Neighborhood Homework House since she was in 6th grade. Now a junior is High School, Leslie not only receives services but she is joining the next generation of volunteers who are giving back to Neighborhood Homework House. Leslie has volunteers as an open house tour guide, summer intern and more. She is currently a Teacher’s Assistant in the School Readiness Program focused on helping parents and their children prepare to enter the school system. The parents and children love having her assistance. However, Leslie has gone a step further and recruited her brother to serve as a volunteer with the organization as well. The Board members of the Foundation looks forward to hearing more about Leslie as she empowers families and students to follow her lead!
David Grinsdale, an Azusa Rotarian, became active after he assisted with the logistics of the 2017 Field of Glory. The work of the Azusa Rotarians so captured his sense of giving back that he is now serving as Vice President. David has given of his time in many programs such as those focused on Foster Children, Deployed Service Personnel, children visiting the Azusa’s Police Department Shop with a Cop and planting trees with the Watershed Restoration events. David gives of his time freely all the while serving in the leadership role in the organization. His engagement has been critical to ensuring the health of the organization and the encouragement of other Rotarians.
The Board of Directors selected for its Engage and Ignite: Volunteer of the Year for 2019 JOE PEREZ. Joe Perez has been engaged with a number of organizations for many decades. For 20 years Mr. Perez has volunteered with the Azusa Golden Days. His primary role is that of coordinating bands who are participating in the parade. Joe volunteers with the Knights of Columbus and the St. Frances Food Bank. His work with the Knights of Columbus is serving as a critical volunteer in the Food and Toy Drive as he works alongside of others in the organization to provide breakfast to those who donate toys and gifts. With the Food Bank he organizes the pantry that serves more than 120 families each month. The City of Azusa also credits Mr. Perez for volunteering in many other city events. JOE, as he is affectionally called, is known as a servant. The Board of Directors of the Foundation is pleased to highlight Mr. Perez as their 2019 Engage and Ignite: Volunteer of the Year.
The Board of Directors will accept nominations for the 2010 Engage and Ignite: Volunteer of the Year beginning in October of 2020. Please check the website for details.
For more information, contact us at info@canyoncityfoundation.org