Most people who accept the mantle of Man or Woman of the Year
have been around Morgan Hill for a long, long time. Daryl Manning
is an exception to this rule.
Most people who accept the mantle of Man or Woman of the Year have been around Morgan Hill for a long, long time. Daryl Manning is an exception to this rule.
She’s been in town for about 10 years and volunteering for less though a typical description came from the Chamber’s Chris Giusiana.
“Daryl hit the ground running,” Giusiana said.
Manning is largely responsible for black tie events bursting on the local scene and significantly responsible for the success of such fundraisers, according to the chamber.
The Mayor’s Ball in December 2002 that opened the community and cultural center showed Manning’s distinctive touch with fine foods, wine, entertainment and decorations.
“It was a landmark that established the black tie event as viable in the community,” she said. “There were lots of skeptics, but people really enjoy getting dressed up and having fun.”
Manning urged along similar events for Leadership Morgan Hill and the Morgan Hill Community Foundation on whose board she serves. A Directors’ Ball on Feb. 28 is her next endeavor.
She has publicized and marketed for Independence Day, Inc., the hard-working grass roots organization that produces two days of Fourth of July events, and is moving into the position of president for the 2004 celebration.
Manning also works as a fine arts committee member, securing and jurying the artwork for the community center; she is employed part time with the city’s recreation division as an art specialist, as the city tries to bring more cultural events to town.
Sunday Minnich, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, is pleased that Manning was selected.
“Morgan Hill is very fortunate to have her energy, time and commitment,” Minnich said.
Manning, who was born, raised and went to school in Montreal – graduating from Concordia University – first met her husband, Steve Wood, in high school band where she played clarinet and he the trumpet.
“We met again at a high school reunion in 1991,” she said. After they married and Manning moved to Morgan Hill, she worked in his business, PC Video Conversions, until it was sold in 1998. The pair then founded Black Dog Communications, a marketing consulting company that also does event management, public relations and creative direction.
The question every Showcase award winner hears the most is “Why volunteer so much?”
“My basic philosophy is, as the city develops, it is important to nurture all aspects, including culture,” Manning said.
Manning shares her house with – besides Wood – two shepherds, Joey and Kazoo, and a Sun Conure (a parrot-like creature) named Johann Velcro Bach. She wanted to thank her husband for supporting and “tolerating my (volunteer) habit,” she said.
One mystery remains, though. She does not know who nominated her for the chamber award.
“I want to thank my anonymous nominators and the selection committee for recognizing spirit and involvement in the community,” Manning said. “This award is affirmation that I’m volunteering too much,” she joked.
The Showcase Awards dinner will be held Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Road at East Dunne Avenue. Tickets are $69 each. To reserve a place, call the Chamber, 779-9444.
