Local volunteers honored at Philanthropy Day

Volunteers were in the spotlight at the Yolo Community Foundation’s recent Yolo County Philanthropy Day, held in the atrium at the County Administration Building in Woodland.

The sixth annual event allows nonprofit agencies in the county to publicly honor their volunteers and donors.

“People giving their time and money in Yolo County is one of the things that make this such a rich and diverse region in which to live,” said Mary Stephens DeWall, past president of the foundation.

The Yolo Land Trust honored volunteer Joan Wooden with a framed picture taken at its annual Day In The Country fundraiser, a popular food and wine event. Executive director Michele Clark said Wooden is a longtime volunteer for the agency, providing administrative support and assistance in organizing events. This year, she created an original apron celebrity chef Craig McNamara.

“Joan is always energetic and willing to provide a helping hand,” Clark said. “We treasure her contributions to our organization.”

Freedom From Hunger, an international charity based in Davis, honored Davis High School Freedom From Hunger Club officers Laney Teaford, co-president; Mo Xu, co-president; and McKenzie Barlow, vice president. Kim Andrup, major donor relations officer for the agency, presented certificates to students.

The club, which was established in 2006, has raised $15,422 through dances, track meets and other events to benefit the women and families served by Freedom From Hunger.

“Our staff is impressed that the club members and leaders are consistently young adults of maturity, grace, responsibility and commitment to cause,” Andrup said.

Others honored included:

* The Mariani Nut Company Foundation as Philanthropist of the Year, honored by the Yolo Community Foundation;

* Camillis Slater and Linda Glick, honored by the Yolo Family Service Agency;

* Barbara King, honored by the Woodland Literacy Council;

* Fleet Feet Davis, honored by Soroptimist International of Woodland; and

* Carole Pirruccello, honored by the Woodland Tree Foundation.

The Yolo Community Foundation, which is affiliated with the Sacrament Region Community Foundation, promotes charitable giving in Yolo County. The foundation also gives scholarships to Yolo County high school seniors who have worked with nonprofit agencies, sponsors Philanthropy Day, sponsors the Yolo Land Trust’s Day In The Country fundraiser and supports the efforts of nonprofit agencies in Yolo County.

For more information, call 530-312-0593 or visit www.yolocf.org.