Community Corner
Blue Ribbon Coalition Among 143 Heart of Marin Award Nominees
A community group working to eliminate binge drinking among minors is a nominee for a prestigious award.
The Novato Blue Ribbon Coalition for Youth, which is working to educate the community about the dangers of underage consumption of alcohol among many other causes, is one of the 143 nominees for the 20th Annual Heart of Marin Awards from the Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership.
The coalition, chaired by Bill Welch, has tackled the touchy subject of teen binge drinking head-on by forming committees and taking action through public advocacy. One of its recent successes was lobbying the Novato City Council to pass a resolution declaring the city to be an pressuring retailers to stop carrying fruity high-alcohol drinks that are marketed toward young people.
Earlier this year, the coalition teamed with several other organizations to pressure a local apparel shop to take down a window display that depicted young people drinking to excess under a large sign that said "Get Tanked."
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Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership unveiled the nominees last week (attached at right) for Volunteer of the Year, Excellence in Leadership, Achievement in Nonprofit Excellence, Excellence in Board Leadership, Youth Volunteer of the Year, Corporate Community Service, and Excellence in Innovation.
The Heart of Marin Awards are produced by Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership in partnership with Union Bank.
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“Nonprofit leaders and volunteers work extremely hard to meet the growing needs of our community," Linda Davis, the center's executive director, said in a statement. "It is important that we take the time to recognize them for their dedication and admirable achievements.”
Local singer and actor Noah Griffin will emcee an awards ceremony and luncheon unveiling the winners on Thursday, Jan. 10, at the Marin Center Exhibit Hall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are $60 and can be purchased at the center's website or by calling 415-479-5710.
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