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Cope Family Center Wins Outstanding Nonprofit Award

Across the board, it was a family affair at the Napa Valley Community Awards luncheon held at the Napa Valley Marriott Hotel and Spa Tuesday, May 20th. The top honor--for the outstanding nonprofit organization--went to Cope Family Center, an organization that provides parenting support and education for local families. It was gratefully accepted by executive director Joelle Gallagher. "This shows me just how much this community values families," she said.

	Pictured L-R: Dena Kemp, Mechanics Bank Brian Bottari, Congressman Thompson's office Joelle Gallagher, Exec. Dir., Cope Family Center Dell Coates, President, Cope Family Center Mayor Jill Techel Sharon Macklin, Senator Wiggins' office Laurie Puzo, Senator Evans' office Angela Peatman, Board Member, Cope Family Center Corren Pinney, Mechanics Bank Lee Schwab, Board Member, Cope Family Center

There was plenty of family to go around at the annual event, sponsored by the Napa Chamber Foundation and Mechanics Bank to recognize the contributions of Napa County community leaders, individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations making the Napa Valley a better place. Jeff Gerlomes, chair-elect of the Napa Chamber Foundation, set the tone in his introductory comments, saying, "If you don't live here you just can't understand the warmth of the people here." It was a sentiment echoed again and again.

"Over the years, Napa has grown but it still maintains a closeness," said Bruce McCall, who along with partner Glenn Hughes was honored as outstanding healthcare professional. The two partners in Napa Valley Physical Therapy Center give generously of their time to provide game-day care and follow-up for high school athletes up and down the Valley. "People here in the Valley love to give back to it," he said. Accepting the award, both made a point of thanking their wives, families and staff for "allowing us the time to do this."

Outstanding public safety officer Deputy John Hallman of the Napa County Sheriff's Department said he was born and raised in the Napa Valley, "Now that I've grown up--well, sort of!--I'm honored to serve this community," he joked. Hallman was praised for, among other things, initiating a fundraising effort each holiday season to purchase and distribute warm clothes to homeless and needy people he encounters on duty.

In a highlight-filled event, some moments glittered. Shontaine Brayton, Napa Valley College student of the year, threw her arms around PG&E representative Joe Horak when she learned that the award came with a tidy sum of sponsor award money. Those funds will help her achieve her goal of earning a degree in social work at Sacramento State after she graduates from Napa Valley College next spring. A single mom for 25 years who has overcome many hardships, Brayton said, "My driving force is to be a positive role model for my children." Alexandra, age 10, described her mother as "awesome," and "fun and funny." Daughter Catrina, 25, said, "She's my inspiration. Not many people in this world have overcome the challenges she has, and can still stand next to you and make you feel proud."

Another highlight was the Teacher of the Year award, a well-kept secret until the presentation. It went to Mark Teeters, a music teacher at Vintage High School, and was presented by Barbara Nemko, superintendent of the Napa County Office of Education, with an anecdote.

"Selecting the winner was a long process," she told the crowd. "We even interviewed students. I asked one of Mark's students, 'How does choir fit into your academic program?' She looked at me like I'd asked the dumbest question in the world. 'Are you kidding?' she said. 'It's like my whole life.' So this award goes to the teacher who can inspire a student to say that!"

Accepting the award, Teeter quoted Aristotle: "In the rhythms and melodies there are moral qualities," and added, "This award acknowledges that music and the arts have a place in academic life."

There were a few sad moments, too. Francis Ortiz-Chavez of nonprofit Puertas Abiertas ("Open Doors") could not accept the award due to a family emergency, but sent a poignant letter to be read, making clear her own priorities of putting family first by "spending time with my very ill brother, my Vietnam hero."

The crowd bowed its head in a moment of silence during the presentation of the "Legend Lives On" award to Mondavi estate manager Christopher Barefoot, which was originally intended to be accepted in person by Robert Mondavi. Following his acceptance, he led the crowd in a final toast to the man whose passionate pursuit of perfection helped put Napa Valley on the map.

Other honorees included Jackie Richmond, owner of Wine Country Concierge and winner of the hospitality/tourism award, and Betty Rhodes, a member of the Napa Valley Commission on Aging and winner of the community booster award.

The award to 80-year-old Rhodes was presented by Bill Dodd, chairman of the Napa Board of Supervisors. "She has changed the way seniors are represented here," he said, "and we thank her for it."

Summing up the event, Mechanics Bank Vice President Thomas Kawazoe said, "It's an honor and an inspiration to be in the room with these amazing people. The nominees and the winners make up the fabric of this community. They're the reason that Napa Valley is such a special place."

For further information about the Napa Valley Community Awards and how to become involved with next year's event, contact the Napa Chamber at (707) 226-7455.

For more information on the Award Winners, click HERE