2011 Komen Volunteer & Team Captain Appreciation
On Wednesday, November 16th Komen Orange County Affiliate held its Volunteer & Team Captain Recognition Party at the Orange County Great Park where pictures were taken at a fun photo booth from Elegant Photo Booths, live music was played by Christopher Lopez and Danny Hamilton, magic was performed by Georges-Robert, and dinner was provided by some of Orange County's favorite restaurants including Maggiano's, Famous Dave's BBQ, Rubio's, Cosi and Lazy Dog Cafe. At the event Team PIMCO received the Perpetual Trophy, having raised over $100,000 through their Team efforts at the 2011 Race for the Cure. For a complete list of the Top 25 Teams registered, visit the Race Teams section at www.komenoc.org/race. Carla Cammack was announced as the top individual fundraiser this year, raising $17,375. Congratulations to Carla and all our top fundraisers and Teams who are saving lives and making an impact with their fundraising efforts.
Komen Orange County is proud to honor these volunteers in 2011:
Brenda Hardwig, Shining Star Award: Brenda works in Corporate Affairs at Pacific Life, the site of Race for the Cure for the last 20 years. She has been Komen’s point person to Pacific Life every year – coordinating details so that security, the facility and communications go smoothly. That’s no small task for an event with thousands of participants every year. Brenda has been a constant guiding light for 20 years.
Shefali Dutt, Outstanding Youth Volunteer: Shefali is a sophomore at University High School. She first came to Komen to help her mother Sujata, who was volunteering at the front desk. Shefali’s time and assistance grew over the year and she has been a weekly presence at Komen tackling whatever project she is needed for. She also assisted at Race for the Cure and is a member of the Pink Ribbon Club at her high school.
 Christine Brown and Ellen Weinstein, Outstanding New Volunteers: This dynamic duo joined the Finance Committee this year. At their first meeting, they stepped forward to chair a new merchandising booth for the Race for the Cure. Christine and Ellen worked countless hours with inventory, running booth sales on multiple days, producing business reports – everything necessary to generate more dollars for the Affiliate. We’re sold on their enthusiasm.
GAP Outlet LA West District, Outstanding Volunteer Group: This group started by volunteering at the Pink Tie Ball in the spring. Maria Javier then took on the role of Food and Beverage Chair for the Race, bringing along her team to help. Since she had more time and energy, she also agreed to assist selling Komen merchandise on many days – bringing along her experienced team, of course. We love their teamwork.
 Vernelle Blackwell, Volunteer of the Year: Vernelle is a constant pillar for Komen, working at Pink Tie Ball, Race for the Cure, health fairs and the Reds, Whites and Greens golf tournament. She is always one of the first people to volunteer, even taking vacation days from her job with the Irvine Company if necessary. She makes every assignment an opportunity to share her enthusiasm for Komen.
 Ginny Espenship, Komen Warrior Award: Ginny has volunteered for Komen for many years in many capacities – from Board President to Race Chair to Volunteer Committee to Governance Committee, to name a few. Her vast knowledge of Komen, her expertise and willingness to serve as needed make her an excellent ambassador of the Affiliate and our mission. She sets the bar high as a Komen Warrior.
 Experian, Partner for the Cure: Experian supports the Race by sponsoring the KidsZone and also donating their time on Race day to staff the area with volunteers. Experian also supports the Affiliate via their Race Team fundraising effort. To date, the Team has raised more than $500,000 . . . and counting. Experian campaigned to engage employees not only in raising funds, but also as volunteers and Komen believers. They hosted a Komen volunteer fair at the company to educate more people and become involved.
Two years ago Komen National also introduced a new award called the Promise of One. It is presented to an individual who has demonstrated how they have taken on Nancy Brinker’s Promise to Suzy to do everything she could to fight breast cancer, as their own promise.
 Marie Cammack, Promise of One: Marie volunteered in the demanding role of Race Chair this year, with contagious enthusiasm. She promoted awareness of the Race and Komen’s mission with media interviews and thanking sponsors. She was always eager to recruit more volunteers and donors. In her spare time, she also volunteers for the Finance Committee.
 Rebecca Hultquist, Promise of One: Rebecca has volunteered in many capacities at Komen, including Komen on the Go, Pink Tie Ball and Race for the Cure. She is also sharing her story as a breast cancer survivor and setting a hard-working example to her daughters. She is now on Speaker’s Bureau and wants everyone to know that early detection is the key “to survive and thrive.” Thanks for your constant smile and many talents, Rebecca.
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