May 1, 2007

Junior League salutes volunteers

Delores Wright wins Tiffany crystal bowl

By Carol Rosen
Editor

The Junior League of San Jose hosted its 38th annual Volunteer Recognition luncheon saluting more than 80 volunteers that “actually take action in our community on behalf of thousands of local residents.”

Willow Glen resident Dolores Wright, second from right, receives her crystal bowl from Maribeth Portz, San Jose Junior League president, who also lives in Willow Glen. Photos by Carol Rosen

Of those 80-plus volunteers, the Junior League used a panel of community leaders to single out 16 people who have used their time to volunteer their talents and energy to their community. They join more than 6,000 people honored since 1972.

This year, Willow Glen’s Dolores Wright was honored as one of the 16 volunteers. She is the coordinator of Project Linus, which provides and distributes new blankets for victims of child abuse throughout the year.

“Delores contributes in so many ways to the program, opening her home to the volunteers who make the blankets and purchasing supplies when needed. She also organizes and delivers blankets to agencies for distribution. These blankets are especially well received during the holiday season and often are the only possession these children have,” according to a video presented just prior to Wright receiving her award.

Also receiving a crystal bowl was Christi Jeffrey and BJ, an American bulldog. Jeffrey and BJ visit Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital in Palo Alto at least two days a week. BJ is a certified therapy dog and can ease the fears of small children undergoing surgery and chemotherapy. According to the video, some children try to schedule their appointments around BJ’s visits.

Christie Jeffrey and BJ, an American bulldog—who dressed in black tie for the event—watch a video describing their volunteer work with the children at Lucille Packard Hospital.

Each year, the Junior League sends nomination forms to more than 1,600 nonprofit agencies, schools and organizations throughout Santa Clara County. This year’s panel of judges include Jenette Bonasera from Lancome Boutique; Christine Burroughs from InnVision; Dianne Calvi from Bring Me a Book; Gay Crawford from the American Cancer Society; Maria Hills, Vicki Mason, Louise Pahl and Lunne Seay, Junior League Sustainers; Rick Holden from the San Jose Leadership Council; Loreen Huddleston, a CPA; Pam Kelly from PRx Inc.; Mitsu Kumagai from the Arts Council of San Jose; Celeste Martin-Melehan from Villa Montalvo; Masel Sheehan from Farrington Historical Foundation; Kristin Sulpizio from Second Harvest Food Bank; Alma Van den Raadt from Fertility Physicians of Northern California and Ann Whyte from Child Advocates.

The Junior League partnered with United Way of Silicon Valley, which presented the 2007 Corporate Leadership Award to Intel Corporation. The company urges its employees “to be an asset to their communities worldwide.” Its employees contribute thousands of volunteer hours each year through its Intel Involved program supporting education, community service projects and environmental programs.

Intel employees work with their managers to plan their volunteer activities into their schedules. For every 20 hours an employee volunteers at a school or educational program, Intel pledges $200 without a limit. Among other volunteer action, the company also provides funding and technology advice for a new food tracking system at Second Harvest Food Banks in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties.