Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership Announces 32nd Annual Heart of Marin Award Recipients

SAN RAFAEL, CA, 1/13/25 – Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 32nd Annual Heart of Marin™ Awards. On Thursday, January 9, 2025, 540 community leaders, volunteers, elected officials, and business members gathered to celebrate the 32nd Annual Heart of Marin Awards, held at the Marin Center Exhibit Hall in San Rafael, CA. The awards luncheon honored and celebrated 102 nominees and recognized award recipients in eight categories, distributing $35,000 in awards.

“Every year, I am inspired by the brilliance and dedication of our local nonprofit leaders,” said Linda Jacobs, CEO of CVNL. “This event is a celebration of their remarkable impact – the difference each of them has made in strengthening our community and addressing critical needs. It’s also an opportunity to look forward, ensuring that the legacy of their vital work will inspire future generations to continue building a thriving, compassionate, and inclusive community. Together, we reflect the very best of humanity.”

Woodlands Pet Food and Treats received the Corporate Community Service Award (sponsored by CVNL). Woodlands is committed to providing care, compassion, and essential resources to animals in shelters and foster homes, including food, treats, toys, and beds. In 2024, they supported the adoption of 573 animals through their in-store adoption condos and mobile events, while also contributing over $132,000 in in-kind donations, including funds and supplies. Volunteering is central to their mission, with staff dedicating up to 90 hours monthly to care for animals and ensure they find loving homes.

The Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Christine Comaford, By the Bay Health. Christine has dedicated 15 years of compassionate service to By the Bay Health, providing emotional support, companionship, and Reiki energy work for terminally ill patients and their caregivers. As a Patient and Family Support Volunteer and a ‘Big Buddy’ for bereaved children, she creates meaningful connections, eases end-of-life transitions, and brings comfort through her thoughtfulness and creativity. This year, Christine supported three patients, including assisting one family through the Medical Aid in Dying process, a deeply intimate moment that highlights her unwavering dedication and care.

The Excellence in Board Leadership Award (sponsored by BioMarin) was presented to David Bernard, San Geronimo Valley Community Center. David has dedicated six years of service to the San Geronimo Valley Community Center Board, providing leadership as president and treasurer and contributing to key committees. In 2024, he guided the Center through an executive leadership transition, strengthened strategic planning efforts, and enhanced fundraising initiatives, including hosting events to grow their Legacy Circle.

The Excellence in Innovation Award (sponsored by PG&E) was presented to Marin Foster Care Association. Marin Foster Care Association supports foster families and addresses critical needs for transition-age foster youth, including housing. In partnership with local agencies and donors, they purchased and renovated a building, providing stable housing for six youth, complete with personalized furnishings from Make It Home. This effort ensures youth have the support and resources needed to transition to independence, pursue education and jobs, and avoid the risks of homelessness while promoting housing equity for youth of color.

Five Youth Volunteer of the Year Awards (sponsored by Redwood Credit Union) were presented to: Shea Sorcher, Marin County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Unit. Shea has dedicated 2,500 volunteer hours over three years as a member of the Marin County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team, responding to 95 missions and achieving the rank of Advanced Team Leader—the only youth member at this level. Candice Lucas, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. Candice is a youth leader with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, where she uses her Guatemalan heritage to explore the intersections of environmental justice, cultural identity, and equity. Through projects like a pupusa workshop, a food justice video, and co-produced podcasts, she educates peers on sustainable practices, highlights disparities in access to resources, and advocates for the representation of marginalized communities in environmental leadership; this might say it but I know the main point was making sure youth of color were recognized for their leadership and achievements in environmental advocacy. Hudson Blechman, 100+ Teens Who Care Bay Area. Hudson founded the Marin chapter of 100+ Teens Who Care, a teen-led organization that teaches high school students about charitable giving and supports local nonprofits. Under his leadership, the chapter grew to over 40 members in 2024, raising $2,200 through fundraising events and donating the funds to selected nonprofits through a collaborative decision-making process. Tess Belger, Project Awareness and Special Sports. Tess expanded Project Awareness And Special Sports (PAASS) by creating Dance Without Boundaries, a program that provides adaptive dance classes for youth with special needs, including neurodivergent participants and those with physical disabilities. Since launching, she has taught 22 classes to over 30 students, fostering creativity, confidence, and self-expression in a supportive and inclusive environment. Walt Novosardian, Youth Leadership Institute. Walt has been a dedicated advocate for equity and justice, serving on the Marin County Youth Commission since 2022, where he founded and chairs the Disability Justice subcommittee, leading presentations to over 2,500 peers and community members. He has worked on initiatives such as hosting Queer Prom, presenting a Pride Resolution to the Board of Supervisors, and supporting LGBTQIA+ communities through Positive Images and other local programs. Beyond his activism, Walt is deeply involved in school as president of the Gender and Sexuality Alliance, a pretrial attorney in Mock Trial, and a representative on the Novato School District Equity Committee, showcasing his lifelong commitment to creating positive change.

The Excellence in Leadership Award (sponsored by Marin Community Foundation) was presented to Caroline Peattie, Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California. Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California promotes equal housing opportunities and diversity through advocacy, education, and programs supporting marginalized communities. Under Caroline’s leadership, the organization has advanced legislative initiatives, uncovered discriminatory practices in housing, lending, and appraisals, and secured impactful settlements, including a high-profile case in Marin City. She also improved internal policies, expanded staff capacity, and secured multi-year contracts to enhance their services, while actively advocating for stronger fair housing policies at the national level.

Donna Garske and Bettie Hodges both received a Lifetime Achievement Award (sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, Golden Gate Service Area). From organizing her classmates in 5th grade to confront bullying, to earning a degree in criminal justice, to working with prisoner re-entry programs and Marin’s first shelter for battered women, Donna has dedicated her life to supporting survivors and raising awareness about domestic violence. Her work includes years of service on a 24/7 hotline and relentless efforts to educate others about the realities of abuse. Donna has made a lasting impact by challenging societal norms and driving change both locally and nationally to end domestic violence.

The 32nd Annual Heart of Marin Awards was made possible by support from Presenting Sponsor Bank of Marin, Award Sponsors CVNL (Corporate Community Service), BioMarin (Excellence in Board Leadership), PG&E (Excellence in Innovation), Redwood Credit Union (Youth Volunteer of the Year), Marin Community Foundation (Excellence in Leadership), Comerica Bank (Achievement in Nonprofit Excellence), Kaiser Permanente, Golden Gate Service Area (Lifetime Achievement), and Media Sponsor Marin Independent Journal.