2009 Be the Difference Awards

We were so pleased to have such a fabulous turn-out for the 2009 Be the Difference Awards Lunch on Thursday Oct 22 at the Cocoanut Grove. Thank -you to all community members who joined us in celebration of those who make a difference in our community through their volunteer contributions. We look forward to seeing you again next year!

This year 36 nominees were recognized and 5 received special honors. Below are the stories of our 2009 Be the Difference Winners:




Santa Cruz Seaside Company- through its various entities SC Beach Boardwalk, Cocoanut Grove, and Boardwalk Bowl, the Seaside Company continues a family legacy of community support for hundreds of non-profit organizations and schools with donations, in-kind contributions, release time for volunteering and special events. They also provide scholarships for their employees to attend community college or universities.




Classic Cleaners uses its resources to directly benefit the less fortunate in our community. They have worked with the Walnut Ave. Women’s Shelter, have helped people prepare for job interviews and regularly support non-profit organizations. All 18 employees participate in these volunteer efforts. Classic Cleaners has touched thousands of lives and is a role model for giving back to the community.




David Heald's dedication and willingness to lead in positive, meaningful ways is an inspiration to many. Aside from running a growing local bank he continuously volunteers for dozens of non-profit organizations and foundations- focusing on community development, helping people with developmental disorders, and small business development. His leadership style affirms every person’s strength and inherent worth. He is a visionary leader who encourages and fosters community involvement in his friends and employees.




Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Cruz recruits volunteers to serve as mentors to children in Santa Cruz County who are at greatest risk of school truancy and drop-out, drug use, teen pregnancy and/or criminal activity. Volunteers from Big Brothers Big Sisters help kids to believe in themselves and their potential. We have all heard the saying that “It takes a village to raise a child.” Big Brothers Big Sisters represents the best example of this concept.



Kitty Bolte is passionate about the environment, sustainable gardens and providing educational opportunities for other young people. She has been an active volunteer for many years through numerous organizations and community projects. She tutors students at the Beach Flats Community Center, she has volunteered at the Community Agroecology Network (CAN), and she established a garden at the Pacific Collegiate School as well as a garden club. Kitty’s dedication and initiative show that regardless of age you can make a difference in your community.

Honoring the volunteers who make our community a better place to live

While at times it is easy to get bogged down by the day to day tasks of working, there are those days that stand out and make me think, "I LOVE my job."

This morning I had one of those fabulous ah-ha moments during a meeting at Dominican Hospital to determine this year's winners for the 3rd Annual Be the Difference Awards. Surrounded by leaders from the business, civic, media, and community sectors we poured over the stories of volunteers devoted to giving their time for the betterment of our County.

Their stories were not only inspiring but reminded me that everyday, each of us, positively benefits from volunteerism. We find volunteers at the hospital information desk, the library, on the soccer or baseball field, as ushers at the Symphony, as docents in our parks, or behind the scenes at nearly every non-profit. These volunteer stories reflect that everywhere in our community there is work being done to create change for the better.

Here in Santa Cruz County, we are fortunate to have a lively and diverse tradition of volunteering. I personally feel fortunate to have the opportunity to help organize the "Be the Difference" awards because it gives me an opportunity to thank those individuals, groups, non-profits and businesses who make my life easier and my community a better place to live. This year 36 nominees will be recognized and 5 will receive special honors.

I invite you to join me in honoring those who are dedicated to taking action and solving problems in our community through volunteerism by attending the Awards Luncheon on October 22nd at the Coconut Grove from 11:30-1:30PM. To learn more call us at 427-5070 or visit the Volunteer Center website at http://www.scvolunteercenter.com/events.html

VIEW the Videos of Last Year's Winners:


2008 Individual Winners- Bobbie Bihn, Jack Sparks and Bill Neighbors



2008 Group and Business Winners- Meals on Wheels and Bay Federal Credit Union





Be the Difference Video- Presented at the 2008 Awards:

New United Way Partnership

We recognize that while many would like to serve our community, at times it is challenging to commit to a regular volunteer schedule and therefore we are always looking for new opportunities that are easy and yet meaningful. The Volunteer Centers are pleased to announce we have partnered with the United Way create a new avenue of such opportunities.

The goal is to provide community members with the opportunity to not only help a local non-profit agency but also get to know their local United Way partner agencies and see, first hand, what they are doing to make Santa Cruz County a better place for all. Each month a new opportunity will be featured on our 1-800 Volunteer website.

On October 3rd and 4th, volunteers are needed to support the Hospice Oktoberfest benefit. This fun and lively event includes an Oktoberfest inspired lunch, live accordion music, a silent auction, a live wine auction, cash drawings and arts, crafts and antique sales. All proceeds go directly to Hospice to help them provide support to individuals and families living with life-threatening illnesses. Help support this invaluable service by volunteering at their annual fundraiser. To volunteer contact United Way Coordinator Samantha Green at 465-2208 or visit: 1-800 Volunteer.org

To learn more about the event watch the video below: