CSA honors local retiree CSA honors local retiree (October 15, 2004)

DiMuccio led Chefs Who Care program

By Huong C. Pham

When most people consider retirement, they think of no more work, hanging up the "Gone Fishing" sign and concentrating on relaxation.

On the contrary, for Mary Jo DiMuccio, retiring meant more time to donate her energy to the Community Services Agency, a nonprofit organization in Mountain View that helps local residents maintain independent and self-sufficient lives.

DiMuccio, a 74-year-old retired administrative librarian, is one of three recipients of CSA's Hometown Hero award this year.

"It's our biggest honor that we bestow on someone who has dedicated their time and energy to our agency," said Tom Myers, executive director of CSA. "This is our way of saying thank you for a job well done."

As the chair of CSA's fundraising program Chefs Who Care, DiMuccio and her committee coordinated two events each month at participating restaurants and raised yearly receipts from $10,000 to more than $20,000 in less than three years.

When notified about the award, DiMuccio expressed modestly, "I was very elated and surprised because I didn't know I've done that much.

"I didn't do it for an award. I did it to help CSA's food and nutrition program and for the needy. It's great to be able to donate to a cause."

DiMuccio credited her success to local residents who bought tickets to the events and the participating restaurants, which donated half of its proceeds to CSA's food and nutrition program.

"We are so fortunate to have a volunteer like Mary Jo because she is so passionate with what she does," said Kelly Kleinschmidt, a CSA staff member. "She has done a superb job, and she's really a true leader."

CSA will also honor Brown Taylor, a former CSA board president, and Coldwell Banker at its annual Hometown Heroes Breakfast on Oct. 15 at the Crowne Plaza Cabana in Palo Alto.

E-mail Huong Pham at hpham@mv-voice.com

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