Chamber to celebrate local leaders Chamber to celebrate local leaders (November 12, 2004)

Event will honor those in business and nonprofit service

By Huong C. Pham

The Chamber of Commerce will honor leaders and volunteers in the community at its 10th annual Celebration of Leaders banquet on Nov. 18.

This year, the award recipients were chosen for their contribution, service and impact on the community and because they went above and beyond what anyone would expect of them, said Chamber of Commerce President Carol Olson.

Council member Michael Kasperzak, founder of a Mountain View-based mediation business -- which has now merged with another firm, Silicon Valley Mediation Group -- was selected as Outstanding Business Person this year.

"Michael was chosen for his tremendous contribution and commitment to Mountain View," said Olson. "He has an incredible passion to serve the community."

Kasperzak has been active in the community, serving on the city council and parks and recreation commission, as well as various committees, including the Loma Prieta Earthquake Recovery Fund, the Amtrak National Advisory Board and BAYMEC, a gay/lesbian political action committee.

The Community School of Music and Arts (CSMA) at Finn Center was chosen as this year's Outstanding Organization.

"They have for years provided an incredible service to the community by providing music and art to people of all ages," said Olson.

In the category of large businesses, Microsoft was selected to be honored for its community support and contributions toward programs and organizations, which includes the Mountain View Educational Foundation and CSMA.

"From day one, Microsoft has been an awesome corporate citizen by being active and supporting nonprofit organizations," said Olson. "They have also donated $25,000 to an elementary (school) that kicked off a fund-raising campaign."

Ristorante Don Giovanni, in the small business category, is being recognized for its leadership in downtown revitalization and its eagerness to partner with local nonprofits.

Every year, the Italian restaurant hosts a Thanksgiving dinner, offering a free banquet of turkey, mashed potatoes, corn and yams to the public.

Reservations for the Celebration of Leaders event can be made by calling the Chamber of Commerce at 968-8378.

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

Recognizing volunteers

Volunteers in the nonprofit community will also be recognized at the Chamber's reception for their hard work. These Outstanding Volunteers of the Year were nominated by their organizations.

Adriana Flores
Palo Alto Chapter Red Cross

Flores has been an exceptional volunteer and played an important role in the Monta Loma Neighborhood Association's "Neighborhood Heroes," which helps educate the community on emergency disaster preparedness.

Dianne Gershuny and Ken Kaye Community Health Awareness Council

Gershuny and Kaye have given many volunteer hours to CHAC, particularly in developing the Planned Giving Program. They have both generously offered their time and efforts to the community over the years.

Gershuny is in her second term of serving on the CHAC Board of Directors. This year she is serving as treasurer.

Kathleen Lynch Community Services Agency

Lynch has served on the Board of Directors for CSA since 2001, most recently as president of the board. She is a strong advocate for local nonprofits and social services issues.

Mary Jane Stiff Community School of Music and Arts at Finn Center

As an inspirational leader, Stiff currently serves on CSMA's executive, finance, board development and operations committees. She has been a generous contributor to the financial success of the organization.

Tom Moran El Camino YMCA

Moran has been a board member and worked on fund-raising and program developments. He led a capital campaign effort that raised over $3 million to expand YMCA in 2002.

Moran has also been involved with other organizations such as the Community School of Music and Arts, the Community Health Awareness Council, and the School Site Council at Springer Elementary School.

Davis Fields Friends of Stevens Creek Trails

Fields contributed his creativity and energy to do the photography and build the Web pages for the organization. He has also offered his time to the Mountain View High School and the Silicon Valley Business Exchange Network.

Charles Clay KVMT

Clay has donated his time to help the agency's general operations. He has also spent many hours assisting KMVT residents- and staff-produced television programs.

Mary Moore Leadership Mountain View

Moore joined LMV in 2001 and is now the council's secretary. She has also served on the program committee and also the fund development committee.

Claire Donohoe Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts

Donohoe has helped the organization bring affordable entertainment to the public and has aided in the enhancement of cultural diversity.

Mike and Judy Meyer Peninsula Youth Theatre

The Meyers have been very willing to help provide the organization with their theater services from providing technical direction for production and serving on the board of directors to producing a show.

Mohamad Razavi RotaCare Free Clinic of Mountain View

An internal medicine physician in the community for more than 46 years, Razavi has provided care for more than 300 patients each year since he joined the RotaCare Free Clinic in 1999. He is also a mentor to medical students.

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