From the Fourth of July to film festivals, Laura Brunton has a
hand in many community events throughout the year
Morgan Hill – Although she was on the committee to choose the chamber of commerce’s Salute Morgan Hill winners, this year’s volunteer of the year never saw her own award coming.
After Executive Director Dan Ehler and chamber members finished delivering the flowers and informing the recipients of the honor, volunteer of the year Laura Brunton noticed there was still one bunch of flowers left over. It turns out they were for her.
“It was a sneak approach,” Brunton said. “I was totally surprised.”
Her list of accomplishments is vast, touching all areas of community life.
“Laura epitomizes what volunteering is all about,” the Chamber nomination said. “She contributes her time and expertise, without seeking recognition because she genuinely and deeply cares about Morgan Hill and its future.”
Brunton, 63, is a member of the Chamber board and serves on the Executive Committee as secretary. In 2006, Laura will be vice chair. She said she eventually hopes to be the chair if selected.
She also actively participates as a member of the Chamber’s Economic Development Committee (EDC), as well as the EDC Attraction and Retention Committee. She’s on committees for city’s South County Joint Planning and for Affordable Housing.
Brunton has served and continues to serve as chair of the Salute Morgan Hill and Installation Ceremonies and Showcase Morgan Hill Business Expo. Laura also volunteers for the Taste of Morgan Hill. In addition, Brunton serves on the Poppy Jasper Film Festival, Independence Day Inc., Morgan Hill Community Foundation and Morgan Hill Centennial Committee.
She is also a member of the Flower Lover’s Club and American Association of University Women.
One of highlights of last year was helping with the IDI parade.
“Just getting out and seeing people is always fun,” Brunton said. “I continue to see a lot of same people come out each year.”
On some days, Brunton goes non-stop from meeting to meeting.
Keeping track of all the meetings keeps Brunton busy. But thanks to her trusty new PDA, she is able to keep her schedule under control.
“I have to print out my PDA schedule so my husband knows where I am at,” she said. “I’ve always been active in the community and always tried to fit stuff in.”
Brunton even started a business, California Meeting Management, dedicated to helping others plan events. She’s helped plan trade shows and conferences.
And most recently as business became slow, she has done some work for the city.
But even though she keeps busy, she still finds time to relax. Brunton and her husband occasionally go kayaking and get to do some traveling. She will also occasionally have lunch with friends.
“I really enjoy just getting out seeing people,” Brunton said. “It really is worthwhile.”
Brunton and her husband Ken had three boys, who are all grown. They moved to Morgan Hill 21 years ago. Before coming to the United States, they lived in Germany and France when her husband was with IBM. He just retired last year. It was after coming back to the United States, Brunton got a sense of how important volunteering is.
“The United States is unique in the volunteers it has,” Brunton said. “It is amazing all that can be accomplished with volunteers.”
