Morgan Hill proclaims Nov. 15 as ‘Philanthropy Day’
Morgan Hill – Ann Cretin helped start an affordable housing project in Morgan Hill. Rick Leininger treated hundreds of feral cats at his veterinary clinic. Steve Barsanti raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for cancer research.
These are just a few of the local residents whose generous work helped nonprofit organizations succeed in the community, and they’ll be honored with others like them at a luncheon Wednesday, Nov. 15, hosted by the Morgan Hill Community Foundation in conjunction with the city’s first ever “Philanthropy Day.”
The luncheon will be held 11:30am to 1:30pm at the CordeValle resort in San Martin, One CordeValle Club Drive. At the luncheon, 25 non-profit organizations – some of which are affiliated with the foundation – will honor an individual or business of their choosing that has contributed to its success.
Former San Francisco 49ers player Rhett Hall will be the keynote speaker, and Morgan Hill Mayor Dennis Kennedy will also make remarks.
Tickets cost $35 and must be purchased ahead of time.
The city has officially proclaimed Nov. 15 “Philanthropy Day,” not only to honor those who financially support charities, but also those who donate their time and know-how to bring out the best in the community.
Sponsored by the Community Foundation, which is an umbrella group offering nonprofit status and resources for groups working in the community, the event coincides with “National Philanthropy Month.”
“These folks are unsung heroes,” said Linda Wieck, one of the Community Foundation’s directors. “It’s our way of recognizing the people who work so hard in the community.”
Cretin, Leininger and Barsanti are examples of the selfless leadership Wieck and others would like to recognize.
Cretin, a member of Habitat for Humanity’s board of directors in Santa Clara County for three years, helped inspire plans to build six homes on Cory Drive next year. When finished, the homes will represent Habitat for Humanity’s first push into South County.
“Lack of affordable housing is a big problem in Morgan Hill,” Cretin said. “It makes all the difference in the world to the families we help.”
As for Rick Leininger, the South County Animal Hospital veterinarian gives back by offering his professional services at reduced rates to Town Cats of Morgan Hill, a no-kill adoption center that saves hundreds of feral cats and unwanted kittens each year.
“My feeling is that rescue work is an honorable pursuit. My way of giving back is to help a group that might not be able to accomplish its goals otherwise,” Leininger said.
Realtor Steve Barsanti also gives freely of his time, supporting cancer research by helping to organize Morgan Hill’s yearly Relay for Life fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. In May, the relay raised $186,000.
“What’s neat about it is the whole community gets behind it,” said Barsanti, who helped get the local event off the ground five years ago.
For more information on the Nov. 15 luncheon call (408) 778-2112 or visit www.morganhillcommunityfoundation.org.
PHILANTHROPY DAY RECOGNITION LUNCHEON
When: Wednesday, Nov. 15
Time: 11:30am to 1:30pm
Where: CordeValle resort, One CordeValle Club Drive, San Martin
Cost: $35
Reservations: (408) 778-2112
List of non-profit organizations and the people/businesses/groups being honored:
American Association of University Women, Robert Blaine; American Cancer Society, Steve Barsanti; Centennial Morgan Hill, Guglielmo Winery; Community Solutions, Randy and Donna Kirk; Friends of the Morgan Hill Library, Karen MacDonald and volunteers; Leadership Morgan Hill, Lorraine Welk; Silicon Valley Habitat for Humanity, Anne Cretin; Independence Day Inc., John and Ava Geddes; Learning and Loving Education Center, Harriet Anderson and Virginia Rodriquez; Morgan Hill Community Foundation, PG&E; Morgan Hill Dog Owners Group, Gloria Zufall; Morgan Hill Historical Society, Roger and Janie Knopf; Morgan Hill Rotary Club, Roger and Janie Knopf; Morgan Hill Wind Symphony, Vernon Miyata; Mt. Madonna YMCA, honoree yet to be named; Poppy Jasper Film Festival, honoree yet to be named; San Pedro Nature Trails Volunteers, Marty Cheek; South Valley Athletic Foundation, Jon Hatakeyama; Teacher’s Aid Coalition, Kiki Nakauchi; Town Cats of Morgan Hill, Rick Leininger; United Way of Silicon Valley, Laura and Jeff Lundy; WERC, John and Teresa Stephenson; Morgan Hill Youth Advisory Committee, Shaila Patel; St. Louise Regional Hospital Foundation, George Chiala; Young At Heart, Morgan Hill Rotary Club.
Tony Burchyns covers Morgan Hill for The Times. Reach him at (408) 779-4106 ext. 201 or tb*******@*************es.com.
