Interfaith group honors Wakerly Interfaith group honors Wakerly (May 07, 2004)

Voice's late co-founder receives community hero award

By Candice Shih

Mountain View Voice co-founder and former publisher Kate Wakerly was honored posthumously for her dedication to community service last week by Peninsula Interfaith Action.

Wakerly, who battled cancer for six years, died April 5.

Peninsula Interfaith Action is a collection of religious organizations that advocates for affordable housing and health care access to low-income people among other causes.

"There aren't enough people who believe they have a serious role to play in promoting democracy, building understanding of complex issues and leading a community toward real solutions to difficult problems. That is, of course, what PIA is all about. ... And it is what, along with her family, Kate Wakerly devoted her life to," said Palo Alto Weekly publisher Bill Johnson.

Wakerly founded the Voice in 1992, serving as its publisher from the start until 1994 and from 2000-2002, but she considered her commitment to public service a higher priority. She helped establish the Mountain View Day Worker Center, constructed a school in Nigeria and provided funding for the first Voice Holiday Fund last year. The Wakerly Family Foundation also gave financial support to many local charities.

Johnson presented the Community Hero Award for the Private Sector to Michael Wakerly, Kate's son, on April 30. Congresswoman Anna Eshoo received the award for the public sector.

"If Kate were here, she would thank you all, of course, but I'm sure that she would also use the opportunity to challenge you. So on her behalf, I now challenge all of you to continue Kate's legacy by strengthening your own personal commitments to the community," said Michael Wakerly, reading from his father John's notes.

Others receiving Community Hero awards at PIA's ceremony included Blanca Cinco for her work at the Day Worker Center; Len Radzilowski, St. Athanasius Church; and Terry Barton, St. Joseph Church.

E-mail Candice Shih at editor@mv-voice.com

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