Nevadans receive Points of Light Awards

Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2003 | 9:54 a.m.

Two local establishments were honored among six Governor's Points of Light Award recipients this month, for their commitment and dedication in promoting and supporting volunteerism throughout the state.

Awards were named by the Nevada Commission for National & Community Service, Inc. at a dinner last week attended by more than 250 business and community leaders statewide in Reno.

The Governor's Points of Light Award is the highest honor for volunteerism awarded by the commission. Las Vegas representatives took home two of the awards for individual-south and corporate volunteer programs.

Julia Occhiogrosso was the individual-south recipient for her establishment of the Las Vegas Catholic Worker in 1986. Through this program, food, clothing, and shelter are provided for the homeless, poor and other people in need. Occhiogrosso has dedicated the last 17 years to volunteering and training others to help the homeless.

The Business Bank of Nevada was recognized as the corporate recipient for its development of a philanthropic outreach and volunteer program that encourages employees to become involved in the community.

Through the program, the business has encouraged a high number of employees to build homes for Habitat for Humanity, volunteer support for Opportunity Village's Magical Forest, and adopt needy families for the holidays through HELP of Southern Nevada and F.I.S.H. in Northern Nevada.

Other recipients included Forrest Dunaetz and David Parsons of Reno for individual-north, Fran Goodyear of Hawthorne for individual-rural and Planned Parenthood Mar Monte of Reno for nonprofit organization.

Recipients received an award recognizing their service along with a $1,000 donation to the charity of their choice.

Awards were presented by Gov. Kenny Guinn and emcee Monty Wolf. The ceremony included J. Terry Edmonds, director of editorial management for AARP in Washington, D.C., and former director of speechwriting for the White House, giving a keynote speech.

Event proceeds will benefit the commission and AmeriCorps programs in Nevada. For more information, call commission at (888) 338-9759.