Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership Announces Nominees for 10th Annual Heart of Napa Awards
Honoring Napa County nonprofit volunteers, leaders, and organizations.
NAPA COUNTY, CA, 4/23/25 – Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) is pleased to announce the nominees for the 10th Annual Heart of Napa County Awards™. Heart of Napa County, with support from Presenting Sponsor Bank of Marin, recognizes the local nonprofit sector, giving $22,500 to outstanding organizations and the committed individuals who serve them. The community is invited to attend the luncheon and awards ceremony to cheer on their colleagues, friends, and family members who have been nominated. All nominees will be recognized at the event, and award recipients will be announced.
This year’s event will be held at The Yountville Community Center on Thursday, May 15th, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM. Advance registration is required. Visit cvnl.org/heart-of-napa/ to purchase tickets or tables.
And the nominees are…
Corporate Community Service
Mechanics Bank
Napa Bookmine
The Doctors Company
Treasury Americas
Volunteer of the Year (Sponsored by Syar Foundation)
Juan Alvarez, Meals on Wheels
Bill Bennett, Napa Humane
Gordon Dinsdale, Molly’s Angels
Tom Feutz, Molly’s Angels
Teresa Foster, 10,000 Degrees
Suzi Herschend, Molly’s Angels
Betty Labastida, One Napa Valley Initiative
Nancy Lewis, Operation With Love From Home
Roy Sordi, Molly’s Angels
Edward Tcheleshev, Providence Community Health Foundation
Excellence in Board Leadership (Sponsored by PG&E)
Drew Becher, Amplifi Napa Valley
Susan Ensey, Molly’s Angels
Ervin Hechavarria, Aldea, Inc.
Anna Marie Longo, Lunchtime Productions Inc. dba Cafeteria Kids Theater
Bob Nations, Napa Valley Support Services
June Ressler, NEWS, Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse Services
Youth Volunteer of the Year (Sponsored by Redwood Credit Union)
Mariana Coronado, Boys & Girls Club of Napa Valley
Graciela Escobedo Avina, Boys & Girls Club of Napa Valley
Mikayla Grogan, Boys & Girls Club of Napa Valley
Audrey Hartwig, Community Action of Napa Valley
Tate Hilton, American Canyon Community & Parks Foundation
Melody Kondor, Boys & Girls Club of Napa Valley
Chair Miles, American Canyon Community & Parks Foundation
Lizeth Ramirez Padilla, Community Action of Napa Valley
Sofia Richart, Mentis
Emmanuel Rivera-Medina, Boys & Girls Club of Napa Valley
Claire Ross, The God Is Good Group (The GIGG)
Yesha Sacatani, Mentis
Excellence in Leadership (Sponsored by Comerica Bank)
Kari Cordero, SANE-SART
Olivia Cowell, Cafeteria Kids Theater
Jamie Graff, Nimbus Arts
Nathalie Lemaire, Napa Bunnies
Laura Rafaty, Napa Valley Museum
Achievement in Nonprofit Excellence
10,000 Degrees
Community Resources for Children
Connolly Ranch Education Center
Committee on the Shelterless (COTS)
Feeding It Forward
Individual and Family Support Network
Justin-Siena High School
Lunchtime Productions Inc. dba Cafeteria Kids Theater
Mentis
Molly’s Angels
Napa Community Animal Response Team
Napa Valley TV
Puertas Abiertas Community Resource Center
Share the Care Napa Valley
Soroptimist of Calistoga
“As the nonprofit sector adapts to shifting policies, funding uncertainties, and evolving regulations under the current administration, organizations continue to step up, ensuring critical services reach those who need them most,” said Linda Jacobs, CEO, CVNL. “Despite these challenges, nonprofits and volunteers remain unwavering in their commitment to strengthening our communities. We look forward to coming together to recognize and honor these organizations and individuals making a difference.”
This event is made possible with the support of Presenting Sponsor Bank of Marin, and Award Sponsors Syar Foundation, Redwood Credit Union, PG&E, and Comerica Bank. For information on Award Sponsor packages contact Linda Jacobs, CEO, CVNL: ljacobs@cvnl.org.
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About CVNL
Since 1964, CVNL has advanced nonprofits and volunteerism by strengthening leadership, encouraging innovation, and empowering individuals in their communities. Passion alone isn’t enough when it comes to creating strong nonprofits. That’s why we work with leaders and volunteers every day to help them build the skills and connections that can take their impact to the next level. We offer comprehensive programs that support nonprofits and volunteers, including Learning & Leadership certificate programs and training, executive search, customized consulting solutions, volunteer matching, and corporate engagement. Heart of Marin™, Heart of Napa™, and Heart of Sonoma County events support nonprofits of every size and mission through recognition and cash awards. Other programs and services include the Sonoma County Human Race, Secret Santa, Court Referral Program, and Paratransit. We provide disaster preparedness training and serve as an Emergency Volunteer Center (EVC), overseeing spontaneous volunteers and donations for Napa, Marin, Sonoma, and Solano Counties in the aftermath of a disaster. We believe that with confident and prepared leaders and volunteers, our nonprofits will be better equipped to create healthy, happy, and more equitable communities. Visit www.cvnl.org to discover more.