The Times Recognizes 18 O.C. Volunteers, Aids Their Charities

Eighteen of the county’s most dedicated volunteers were honored Tuesday, and their charities were awarded $36,000.

In the fifth year of its annual “Volunteers of Distinction” awards, The Times Orange County presented $5,000 to each winners’ charity in six categories.

In addition, to mark the fifth anniversary of the volunteer awards, a $5,000 contribution was made to the Volunteer Center of Greater Orange County, in recognition of the center’s support in launching the Volunteers of Distinction program. Twelve charities were awarded $500 each.

Chosen from 175 entries by a six-member panel of community leaders, award winners were:

Service for Children: John M. Faley, who helped make the Cal State Fullerton Kathleen E. Faley Special Games one of the largest such events in Southern California. Finalists: Dr. Ruth Purdy, Mothers and Others Against Child Abuse; and Armida Rodriguez, Sparks Sidewalk Sunday School.

Arts: Marilyn Nielson, who served as chairman of the board of Imagination Celebration of Orange County for eight years, helping the organization become the largest children’s arts festival in the western United States. Finalists: Laila S. Conlin, Opera Pacific Guild Alliance; and Margaret M. Elwell, Docents of Mission San Juan Capistrano.

Health: Cristobal Hernandez, who taught diabetics to lead healthier lives. Finalists: Gaye Birtcher, Camino Health Center; and J. Jefrey Morris, Children’s Hospital of Orange County.

Community Service: Mike Fernerjian, who serves as volunteer coordinator for the Westminster Senior Center’s Home-Delivered Meals programs, which serves hot meals to more than 100 elderly people every day. Finalists: Ruben Gonzalez, American Red Cross; and Frances M. Williams, YWCA South Orange County.

Education: Blake Stephens, who was responsible for the design and construction of a performing arts stage at Wood Canyon Elementary School. Finalists: Hal Seymour, Future Scientists and Engineers of America; and Mary Schiendler, Corona del Mar High School’s community service program.

Service by Youth: Chase Chatham-Heller, a 13-year-old who routinely volunteers for the Art Institute of Southern California, and recently proposed an anti-graffiti campaign to the city of San Juan Capistrano. Finalists: Alia Tuqan, We Care; and Kevin Verdi, American Red Cross.