SPIRIT OF PHILANTHROPY AWARD
Celebrate Community and its Partners
(a program coordinated and collaborated through the Press Democrat)
The Spirit of Philanthropy Award is presented by the Wine Country Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals to an individual or organization that demonstrates exemplary leadership in philanthropy through personal giving and the fostering/mentoring/ encouragement of others to give for the benefit of all. The Celebrate Community Partnership, program of the Press Democrat, exemplifies the “spirit of philanthropy” by bringing together business partners to encourage and support local community efforts. They lead by example, volunteering time and donating promotions to many local area non-profit organizations each year.
OUTSTANDING YOUTH IN PHILANTHROPY AWARD
Quinn Morrison
Quinn Morrison
Quinn was chosen for her dedicated volunteer development work with Becoming Independent (BI). BI provides advocacy and independent living support services to people in Sonoma County with disabilities. Since getting involved in 2009, Quinn has formed an active Young Professionals Corps. (YPC) and has spearheaded several successful fundraising events for BI. Just recently, Quinn served as an auction committee member for BI’s annual “Dinner Under the Stars”, an event that raised $319,000. Her next big project is organizing the organization’s first ever golf tournament, an event that will provide BI access to a different circle of donors. Quinn has shown a real commitment to building sustained support for BI over time, from a younger constituency.
OUTSTANDING CIVIC ORGANIZATION PARTNER AWARD
Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence
Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence
The Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence began in April, 2001 as an all volunteer, nonprofit organization comprised of gay, straight and bisexual men and women dedicated to the emotional and financial support of HIV/AIDS services. The Russian River Sisters are also busy at work on issues affecting women, children and senior citizens, raising money for breast cancer, senior centers, art & music programs at local schools, hospitals and homeless shelters. Their most effective tools are simply bringing people together with the opportunity to have fun, to forget their cares for a little while and enjoy themselves. Whether it be a bingo event, an all you can eat hot dog roast, or even Jello wrestling, people have learned that if the Sisters are involved with an event, it’s going to be fun! Their work demonstrates that when diverse people get together and have fun, their fears and prejudices melt away. To date, they estimate they have raised approximately $600,000 for the local community.
OUTSTANDING BUSINESS PARTNER
Rendez Vous Bistro
Nino Rabbaa of Rendez Vous Bistro
Since first opening its doors in the Spring of 2009, Rendez Vous Bistro has given out countless gift cards to local schools, churches and sports teams. Even more notably are its Christmas events to feed the homeless. Word on the street around the holidays is: “If you have nowhere else to go, come to Rendez Vous Bistro for dinner Christmas Eve.” Over the past two Christmases, over 600 homeless men, women and children have eaten for free on Christmas Eve. Rendez Vous Bistro also provides financial assistance to the homeless through Christmas fundraising events and hosts a toy drive for children who otherwise would have no presents to open on Christmas Day.
OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL OR FAMILY PHILANTHROPIST AWARD
Jayne and Mike Cohill
Jayne & Mike Cohill
Jayne Cohill, a Registered Nurse and an expert in family violence, serves as President of the Board of Directors at YWCA Sonoma County and serves on the event committee for their annual signature event, Women, Wine & Cheese. Mike Cohill is a healthcare executive and has been a supporter of the YWCA Sonoma County with his wife for a number of years. Jayne and Mike Cohill also support many causes in the North Bay, including Sutter Women’s Health Center, Sutter VNA & Hospice, the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, and the Family Justice Center.
