For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Justin Burke - 213.201.1525
EMAIL:jburke@apla.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 27, 2000
Los Angeles -- AIDS Project Los Angeles will recognize seven of the agency’s outstanding volunteers at the 13th annual "Friends In Deed" volunteer appreciation event during National Volunteer Week in April. APLA relies on the generosity and commitment of over 2,000 volunteers who donated more than 115,000 hours to APLA last year.
The Nancy Cole Sawaya Humanitarian Award will be presented to Stephanie Gray of the Buddy Program; the Leonard Peterson Award for Volunteer of the Year to George Harangody from the Pacific Center Program; the Christopher Flynn Service Award to Ronald Newman from the Buddy Program; the Maxine Harris Friends in Deed Award will go to Beverly Piontak from the Buddy Program and photographers Paul Antico and Faye Sadou from the Media and Marketing Program and the Max Drew Longtime Service Award to Bernice Foint from the Special Events/Office Service Program of Volunteer Resources.
The criteria is different for each of the awards, but most require a minimum of at least one year of service; the Max Drew Longtime Service award requires ten years as an active APLA volunteer. All the individuals chosen exemplify commitment, compassion and dedication to the clients of APLA and the fight against AIDS.
"Each of these award recipients represent the best of the best in the fight against AIDS. APLA was founded by volunteers and continues to depend on their dedication and commitment to provide vital services to men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS," said Craig Thompson, APLA’s executive director.
AIDS Project Los Angeles , a non-profit community-based organization, provides direct services to more than 8,000 men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS in Los Angeles County. Services include a food bank,a dental clinic, child care, transportation, mental health counseling, a Return to Work Program and Buddy support. APLA also provides extensive treatment and prevention education and advocacy on local, state and federal AIDS-related legislation.
Nancy Cole Sawaya Humanitarian Award -- Stephanie Gray -- Buddy, Group Leader, Volunteer Resources/Education
Leonard Peterson Award for Volunteer of the Year -- George Harangody -- Volunteer Mental Health Therapist, Pacific Center/Mental Health
Christopher Flynn Service Award -- Ronald Newman -- Buddy, Volunteer Resources/Education
Max Drew Longtime Service Award -- Bernice Foint -- Special Events/Office Services, Volunteer Resources/Education
Maxine Harris Friends in Deed Award --