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The Mountain View Chamber of Commerce has hit a milestone, hosting its 30th annual awards gala honoring local businesses, organizations and individuals for their contributions and service to the community.
The sold-out event is recognizing more than a dozen people Friday evening at the Ameswell Hotel in Mountain View, as part of its annual Celebration of Leaders and ATHENA Awards ceremony.
This year, the gala will be even more festive because of its 30th anniversary, said Peter Katz, CEO and president of the Chamber of Commerce.
“We’re honoring individuals, businesses, nonprofits, the arts and a special centennial milestone for Rotary Club,” Katz said in a press release.
The ATHENA Leadership awards is one of the highlights of the evening. This year, the ATHENA Award for Excellence is being given to Olga Melo, a longtime community activist who has worked for decades on issues related to housing justice, public health and civic engagement.
Melo also was recently honored by state Sen. Josh Becker and named Women of the Year for Senate District 13, an area that covers most of San Mateo County and parts of Santa Clara County.
The ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award is going to Sarah Townsend-Handley, a community advocate who mentors young women and supports vulnerable people through art, education and grassroots initiatives, according to the Chamber of Commerce.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is being bestowed on Earlene Minnis who leads the Senior Nutrition Program at Community Services Agency, a social safety net provider in Mountain View.
The Chamber also is presenting a new artistic award to bring attention to the arts community. The Osipova Ballet Academy is the recipient of the award and will perform on stage at the gala.
Other awards are going to Jinxbot 3D Printing (outstanding small business); Recology (outstanding large business); Jean Boulanger (outstanding business person); and Mentor Tutor Connection (outstanding organization).
The Friday evening event is sold out, but the public can participate in the silent auction online and do not need a gala ticket to win. Bids will be accepted until 8 p.m. on Friday, May 16, according to the press release.
A full list of this year’s honorees also is available online.
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