Coordinating Council honors Downey’s volunteers at 70th annual dinner

DOWNEY — The Downey Coordinating Council celebrated community service and volunteerism during its 70th annual Volunteer of the Year Awards Dinner on May 14 at The Arc’s Reagan Events Center.

The event honored volunteers representing civic, charitable and service organizations throughout Downey and Southeast Los Angeles County.

The Downey Coordinating Council is a coalition of local organizations that meets monthly to share information and promote community involvement. The organization traces its roots to the early 1950s and recognizes volunteers annually through its Community Service Awards Dinner.

The evening was emceed by Eric Pierce, president of the Coordinating Council. Jeremy Fitzl, treasurer of Downey Los Amigos Kiwanis, delivered the invocation, while Rebecca Reyes, president of Soroptimist International of Downey, led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Emilio Sosa, executive director of The Arc, welcomed guests to the Reagan Events Center and noted that The Arc is also celebrating its 70th anniversary this year.

Claudia M. Frometa addressed the audience and spoke about the important role volunteers play in strengthening the Downey community. Each honoree received proclamations from state Sen. Bob Archuleta, Assemblywoman Blanca Pacheco, L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn and the Downey City Council.

Also attending the event were Mayor Pro Tem Horacio Ortiz and Councilwoman Dorothy Pemberton, who congratulated the volunteers.

“This evening is about recognizing the people who quietly give their time, talents and energy to make Downey a stronger community,” Pierce said. “Our volunteers are the backbone of so many organizations and programs that improve lives throughout our city. We are grateful for everything they do.”

Honorees recognized during the evening included:

  • Citizens Climate Lobby: Ken Bodger

  • Downey Arts Coalition: Veronica “Ronny” Flores

  • Downey Chamber of Commerce: Joanna Peterson

  • Downey City Library: Cindy Morlock

  • Downey Conservancy: Diana Escobedo-Gutierrez

  • Downey Federal Credit Union: Carol Lemucchi

  • Downey Historical Society and Museum: Diana Escobedo-Gutierrez

  • Downey Kiwanis: The Sarofeem Family

  • Downey Los Amigos Kiwanis: Steve Roberson

  • Downey Patriot: John Sherrard

  • Downey Rose Float Association: Ray Erwin

  • Downey Symphonic Society: Mary Stevens

  • Friends of the Downey City Library: Sherry Cline Martin (posthumously)

  • Gangs Out of Downey: Drs. Dan and Debra Fox

  • Downey Council PTA H.E.L.P.S. Food Bank: Azucena Estrada

  • Rotary Club of Downey: David Minishian

  • Scouting America – Pio Pico District: Tommy E. Martinez

  • Soroptimist International of Downey: Petra Castillo

  • SELA Toastmasters Club 587: Adelaida “Lita” Cervantes

  • Woman’s Club of Downey: Linda Sue Taylor-Jones

NewsStaff Report