United Way honors volunteers for service, charitable giving
Yuba-sutter-colusa United Way award winners Thursday were acknowledged for long lists of volunteer service and charitable giving.
Here’s a recap, providing some additional information on the winners and clearing up a couple inaccuracies in an earlier report.
John Nicoletti won one of two Pedro Awards given (the award for volunteer service is named after a generous benefactor who started giving in 1977 and left only the name Pedro with his donations).
“I think the best thing about all of this is just giving ourselves permission to do good and being able to help out,” said Nicoletti. “We all have permission to do good.”
Nicoletti has been part of some 17 civic organizations and served as a board member for some 11 organizations. He was also founding member of the Marysville Citizen’s Advisory Committee. The former county supervisor is now involved in several volunteer organizations, including the local Habitat for Humanity organization.
The other Pedro Award winner was Jim Leonard, who leads The River Bottoms Ministry from the kitchen at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church.
Bob Harlan, executive director of Yubasutter-colusa United Way, spoke of Leonard’s contributions.
“He and about 10 ‘silent partners’ have developed a close relationship with the men, women and children who constitute our homeless population. He is a man who most homeless people know as someone who hears their needs and will advocate for them,” said Harlan.
The Bill Smith Award (meant to acknowledge United Way members for their support and commitment to the organization) went to Tom Walther who has served United Way for some 20 years. Walther has served as president of United Way, been a top fundraiser for many events, served as campaign chair for 10 years and is said to always keep a positive attitude and warm smile.
The Nancy Ferreira Leadership Award (created in memory of Nancy Ferreira, who, according to United Way, was a long-time executive director whose spirit, actions, values and dedication benefited the Yuba-sutter-colusa area) was awarded to Ron and Norma Giovannetti. They were cited for their exceptional generosity shown towards non-profit organizations such as Feather River Men’s Center, California Highway Patrol Chips for Kids, and the Rideout Health Foundation. They’ve also been generous supporters of the Colusa Casino Resort Celebrity Golf Tournament, which donates its net proceeds to United Way.
The President’s Award (to individuals, businesses or organizations for their exceptional work and dedication) was awarded to two individuals. The first recipient was Eric Pomeroy, who has provided his sound equipment for special events ever since he became a United Way board member two years ago. The second recipient was Ryan Graham, who is about to celebrate his first year on the board. According to Sukh Sidhu, president of the United Way board, Graham hit the ground running full speed by being a part of every event they’ve done.