Dale Bieser has volunteered at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center in Santa Cruz since 2011, and staff said she is the reason the Santa Cruz gem survived the pandemic.
The Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County will celebrate the 2023 Be the Difference Awards, Wednesday, May 24, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the Boardwalk’s Cocoanut Grove Ballroom, 400 Beach St. Santa Cruz.
This year, 46 individuals, groups, and businesses will be recognized for their volunteerism. They include:
- 1440 Multiversity of Scotts Valley
- Boulder Creek Fire Protection District
- Boulder Creek Business Association
- Dale Bieser, docent at the Seymour Center for Marine Discovery
- Joanne Weiger, of Scotts Valley, who volunteers with the Volunteer Center Literacy Program
- Mariana Moran Falcon, volunteer supporting Felton Flood and Disaster Relief
- Mark Woodward of Scotts Valley, photographer and founder of Native Santa Cruz, using social media to share good stories about his community
- Isaiah Williams, volunteer, Hospice of Santa Cruz County, based in Scotts Valley
- Quilters for Hospice
- Friends of Felton Library
- Hopes Closet in Santa Cruz
- Rotary Club of Santa Cruz Sunrise
- Soroptimist International Capitola-by-the-Sea
- The Equine Healing Collaborative of Carmel
- Your Future is Our Business
The all-volunteer staff of the Boulder Creek Fire Protection District, also up for an award this year, was nominated by Camp Krem for their constant heroism in the face of fires, floods, and everyday emergencies.
The full list of honorees is at https://scvolunteercenter.org/be-the-difference-awards.
Awards are given in six categories:
- Promote Social & Economic Justice for All
- Provide Health & Wellness for All
- Support Strong & Successful Families & Empower Youth
- Build a Green & Sustainable Community
- Create Vibrant Arts & Cultural Experiences
- Rebuilds Community After Disaster
Videos will highlight the top 5 honorees’ contributions to the community at the luncheon where local leaders will present each winner with their award.
The presenting sponsor of the awards is Santa Cruz Community Credit Union.
1440 Multiversity of Scotts Valley is nominated for a 2023 Be the Difference Award, for their outstanding service to the community through their staff-ran volunteer initiatives.
“The gifts of time, dedication, and sincerity given by this year’s honorees — to both the causes they care about and the community at large — is unmatched,” states Karen Delaney, Volunteer Center Executive Director. “Our community has been through so much — from Covid to CZU and most recently, devastating floods. These volunteers have supported the community through it all. We can’t wait to honor their service, and inspire others to volunteer as well.”
Nominations are submitted by the community and vetted by a panel of community leaders who serve as judges this year.
To purchase luncheon tickets for $50, visit: https://scvolunteercenter.org/be-the-difference-awards
The Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County, founded in 1967, engages with 500+ community partners and more than 15,000 volunteers who connect meaningfully to help more than 9,000 residents in need.
The Volunteer Center administers 19 programs to support community need, seniors, families, youth, disaster response, and government partnerships to make Santa Cruz County a happier, healthier place to live. For information, visit scvolunteercenter.org, Facebook and Instagram.