Thank you to everyone who nominated!
Let’s come together on March 13th to celebrate the remarkable nonprofits of Sonoma County.
Award Nominees
The Corporate Community Service award is presented to a business that has fostered and encouraged volunteerism and philanthropy among its employees.
- Bank of America
- Jackson Family Wines
- Oliver’s Markets
- Poppy Bank
The Volunteer of the Year award and $5,000 for the recipient’s nonprofit is presented to an individual (other than a board member) who has provided exemplary volunteer service to a Sonoma County nonprofit organization.
- Michael Bithorn, Homeless Action Sonoma, Inc.
- Shirley Davis, Sonoma Community Action Network
- Madonna Feather Cruz, United Way of the Wine Country
- Debbie Gilman, Sonoma Valley 4H & SRJC Cheerleading
- Paul Guerra, Food For Thought
- Cheryl Maslow, Children’s Museum of Sonoma County
- James Pardieu, 10,000 Degrees
- Manuel Rodriguez Garcia, LandPaths
- Steve Schnieder, Homes 4 the Homeless
- Rita Wengler, Council on Aging
- Beverly Winton, Equi-Ed
Sponsor: Kaiser Permanente
The Excellence in Board Leadership award and $5,000 for the recipient’s nonprofit will be presented to an exceptional volunteer member of a Sonoma County nonprofit board of directors.
- Ellen Bailey, Community Matters
- Naomi Crawford, Sonoma Family Meal
- Jan Erickson, Sonoma Community Center
- Allison Gutierrez, Latino Service Providers
- Rachelle Hirsch, Equi-Ed
- Jenny Juhl, Community Child Care Council of Sonoma County (4C’s)
- Brandon Kelsey, Community Child Care Council of Sonoma County (4C’s)
- Emily King, Common Ground Society
- Troy Niday, TLC Child & Family Services
- Santiago Ramirez, Catholic Charities of Northwest California
- Greg Steele, Children’s Museum of Sonoma County
- Leigh Stokes, Corazón Healdsburg
- Marion Weinreb, The Living Room
Sponsor: ACRISURE
The Excellence in Innovation award and $5,000 is presented to an individual, organization or partnership that has developed new, creative, and effective strategies for advancing solutions to critical issues in our community.
- Catholic Charities of Northwest California
- Common Ground Society
- Council on Aging
- Emergency Prep Help
- Forgotten Felines of Sonoma County
- Free to Be
- Humane Society of Sonoma County
- inRESPONSE Mental Health Support Team
- Sonoma Valley Collaborative
- Sweetwater Spectrum
Sponsor: PG&E
The Youth Volunteer of the Year award and $1,000 for each youth recipient, is presented to five full-time middle or high school students serving in a Sonoma County nonprofit, education, or faith environment. Up to five youth recipients will be selected.
- Aurora Amoroso, St. Francis Solano School
- Tessa Autumn Berney, Sonoma Community Center
- Maddie Castro, Sonoma Academy
- Kelly Cipriano Gutierrez, LandPaths
- Zach McKenna, United Cerebral Palsy of the North Bay
- Zuli Morales, Redwood Empire Food Bank
- Charly Newman, Sonoma Community Center
- Maya Paris, Free to Be
- Lilly Streb, Sonoma Ecology Center
- Sabrina Tristano, Humane Society of Sonoma County
- Lauren Wilson, Miracle League North Bay
- Marianna Wininger, Casa Grande High School
- Noa Wonderly, Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue
- Alexander Yoon, 404 Found Code
Sponsor: Peter E. Haas Jr. Family Fund
The Excellence in Leadership award and $5,000 for the recipient’s nonprofit is presented to an executive director who has demonstrated excellence in leadership and whose vision has inspired meaningful and lasting change benefiting the organization and community.
- Katie Davis, Sebastopol Area Senior Center
- Susan Fette, TLC Child & Family Services
- Lynne Gordon Moquete, Una Vida
- Letitia Hanke, The LIME Foundation
- Stephanie Manieri, Latino Service Providers
- Pip Marquez de la Plata, Forgotten Felines of Sonoma County
- Margaret Sluyk, Reach for Home
- Erica Vogel, Community Matters
Sponsor: Medtronic
The Achievement in Nonprofit Excellence award and $5,000 is presented to an organization that has demonstrated exemplary service to its constituents.
- 10,000 Degrees
- Assistance League of Sonoma County
- Community Child Care Council of Sonoma County (4Cs)
- Community Support Network
- Conservation Corps North Bay
- Corazón Healdsburg
- Forgotten Felines of Sonoma County
- Heartfelt Help Foundation
- Humanidad Therapy and Educational Services
- Kiwanis Club of Santa Rosa
- Latino Service Providers
- The LIME Foundation
- Nuestra Comunidad
- Our Village Closet
- Reach for Home
- Rebuilding Together Petaluma
- Sonoma Community Action Network
- Vital Immigrant Defense Advocacy and Services
The Lifetime Achievement award and $5,000 for a nonprofit of their choice is presented to an individual who has made a positive and notable difference during their career by significantly contributing to addressing a cause, issue, or discipline.
- Bonnie Burrell
- Mary Callahan
- Rosalind Morris
- Bettina Paige
Sponsor: Redwood Credit Union
Be a part of the celebration!
Thursday, March 13, 2025, 11 AM - 2 PM
CVNL has honored local leaders and their causes at the Heart of Sonoma County Awards for 4 consecutive years. As one of the largest recognition events in the county, the 5th Annual Heart of Sonoma County Awards is expected to reach over 300 attendees and award $35,000 to honor Sonoma County nonprofits and the passionate individuals who dedicate their work to advancing our communities.
4th Annual Heart of Sonoma County Recap
$35,000 in awards and eight categories, recognizing and honoring Sonoma County’s outstanding nonprofit volunteers, leaders and organizations.
Photos
Enjoy event highlights!
Press
Read our press release.
Program
Read the event program.
Awards Sponsoring
As a sponsor of the 5th Annual Heart of Sonoma County Awards, you play a crucial role in uplifting and empowering our Sonoma County nonprofit community. This event honors the outstanding contributions of local nonprofits and volunteers while strengthening their capacity to continue making a difference.
- Unparalleled Recognition: Be part of an inspiring event that is expected to draw an audience of over 300 attendees, primarily from the nonprofit sector, along with corporate representatives and elected officials.
- Wide Reach: Your sponsorship will be seen by over 2,000 nonprofits throughout Sonoma County through event marketing.
- Direct Impact: Your contribution helps distribute $35,000 to Sonoma County nonprofits across eight award categories, enabling these organizations to continue their vital work.
Be a part of our celebration and empower the incredible work of Sonoma County’s nonprofits. Join us in honoring those who make our community stronger, more vibrant, and inspiring every day. Your support will elevate their efforts and drive positive change for all.
2024 Award & Media Sponsors
Thank you Presenting Sponsor
