Honoring the Napa Valley’s Community Heroes

Who will be the nominated as heroes in 2010? Nominations are now being accepted for the Napa Valley Community Awards. Please visit the nomination page to find out more information.

Who are the heroes of our community? Look below to see some information about the 2009 Award recipients.

2009 Award recipients include:

Outstanding Public Safety Person: City of Napa Fire Capt. Charlie Rhodes, for the warm, personal connection he makes with people on each fire call, as well as a grant-writing talent that secured valuable assets such as a new Wildland Fire Engine.

Outstanding Nonprofit Employee: Arts Council Napa Valley Executive Director Michelle Williams, whose unique background as a performer and emergency responder enabled her to apply crisis-management skill to resuscitate and revitalize endangered arts programs.

Outstanding Hospitality/Tourism: Andretti Winery Events Manager Patty Cline, who was one of the valley’s first women winery guides and went on to co-found the Napa Tour Guide Guild, where she has mentored newcomers to the hospitality industry.

Outstanding Community Booster: Napa Rotary Club President Gary Rose, a lifelong Napa resident who is a Realtor by profession and an all-around volunteer and community booster by avocation. His credits include organizing the Cycle 4 Sight/Rotary Ride 4 Veterans.

Outstanding Healthcare Professional: Certified Nursing Assistant Peter Haines, who enriches the lives of patients at Angwin’s Crestwood Center  -- for example, buying and delivering a piano to the hospital, and gathering clothing and even art supplies for indigent patients.

Outstanding Napa Valley College Student: Kirsten Raschko, who overcame myriad personal challenges and today maintains a high GPA, works three jobs and volunteers at school and in her community.

The Outstanding Nonprofit Organization of the Year was awarded to Napa Emergency Women's Services (NEWS). 

The “Celebrating Community” gala luncheon will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at the Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa. Tickets are $55 per person and may be ordered online at www.napachamberfoundation.org or by calling 707-226-7455.