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Springtime means recognizing involved residents who are chosen for the Pleasanton Community of Character Juanita Haugen Awards. This is the 10th year for the honors, which were begun to pay homage to Haugen, a longtime school board member and co-founder of the Pleasanton Community of Character.
Haugen, who was a national leader in education, believed that part of Pleasanton’s success is due to compassionate residents who volunteer to make the community a better place and who exhibit good character traits, including compassion, honesty, respect, integrity, self-discipline and responsibility. Her vision was to remind people to model ethical behavior within their communities, businesses and homes, and to extend these traits outside Pleasanton as they travel and meet other people throughout the world.
Now Haugen, who died in 2007, is remembered at a luncheon each year that recognizes a new batch of folks who personify these traits and who are dedicated volunteers. Nominations for this year’s awards, for individuals and nonprofit groups, are due April 10, and the 10th annual Awards Luncheon is being held May 24.
New this year is the organization’s Online Auction Fundraiser, which begins April 10; goods and services still can be donated.
Nomination forms for the awards are available at www.communityofcharacter.org, the library, City Hall, school district offices, the Senior Center and the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce. Completed forms can be mailed to or dropped off at the Chamber of Commerce (777 Peters Ave.), or they can be emailed to PleasantonCommunityofCharacter@gmail.com.
In addition to recognizing exemplary adults, each year the group honors three or more high school students with Juanita Haugen High School Community of Character Scholarships. Contributions can be made to its fund at the Chamber of Commerce, and also a drawing will take place at the luncheon to raise funds for the scholarships.
The luncheon will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 24 at the Veterans Memorial Building 301 Main St. Reserve seats online at www.pleasanton.org or www.communityofcharacter.org. Cost is $35 per person.
Businesses, groups and individuals wanting to sponsor the luncheon should contact Community of Character board president Kelly Dulka at 263-4444 or email kdulka@ymcaeastbay.org. Sponsors receive seating for eight and recognition at the event.
Past recipients
2016: Becky Dennis, Don Lewis, Marie Stapleton and Friends of the Pleasanton Library
2015: Lars Ho-Tseung, David and Rosiland “Roz” Wright, Kelly French, National Charity League
2014: Emily Scholz, Bob Williams, Brad Hirst, Lynnewood United Methodist Church
2013: Tom Fox, Jim Ott, Pam Yeaw, Rotary Club of Pleasanton
2012: Janet Liang, Dave Melander, Debra Mitchell, Pleasanton Military Families
2011: Chuck Deckert, Bob and Joyce Shapiro, Ron Sutton, Assistance League of Amador Valley
2010: Bob Athenour, Dr. Pushpa Dalal, Chris Miller, George A. Spiliotopoulos Invitational Tournament Volunteers
2009: Sue Evans, Jerri Pantages Long, Ken Mano
2008: Diana and Howard Mendenhall, and Lori Rice