2021 Mary Hammer Green Heart Award Recipient is Volunteer Turned Advocate

Felton, CA  —  Mountain Community Resources (MCR), one of Community Bridges’ Family Resource Centers, is excited to announce the recipient of the Mary Hammer Green Heart Award as part of the 35th annual Mountain Affair.  This award is presented annually at the event, a fundraiser for MCR programs to be held on October 29 at the Ristorante Casa Nostra in Ben Lomond.

The 2021 recipient is Suzie Schwilk a volunteer throughout 2020 who became a Family Resource Center advocate this year. Schwilk is receiving the recognition for her past and ongoing volunteer work in support of the Mountain Community Resource Center food pantry distribution program and in office support.

“Suzie was a clinch hitter when we were down staff the last few months and she has stepped up to the bat literally with both hands and feet,” said Cori Burt, MCR adovcate as part of her nomination in support of Schwilk.

“Bringing the food distribution to life is a labor of love that requires significant behind-the-scenes logistical coordination and dedication,” said Raymon Cancino, Community Bridges’ CEO. “Nonprofits thrive when volunteers can fill the labor gap to support these community services.”

Named for Mountain Community Resource’s founder, the Mary Hammer Green Heart Award honors those who exemplify the founding legacy of the resource center and go above and beyond to serve the community.

In addition to raising funds for the food pantry, the Mountain Affair provides funding for MCR programs including ongoing CZU fire family support, parenting classes, health care enrollment, health screenings and more. Auction items can be viewed at www.communitybridges.org/events. The event is sold out but those who would like to support MCR may purchase a meal for takeout from the restaurant the night of the event. A portion of the proceeds from takeout sales will be donated to MCR.

Event information:Mountain AffairOctober 29, 2021, 6-10 PMRistorante Casa Nostra, Ben Lomond

www.communitybridges.org/events

 ABOUT COMMUNITY BRIDGES

Community Bridges envisions a thriving community where every person has the opportunity to unleash their full potential. Together, our family of programs delivers essential services, provides equitable access to resources, and advocates for health and dignity across every stage of life. To learn more, please visit www.communitybridges.org.

The Community Bridges family of programs includes the Child & Adult Care Food Program, Child Development Division, Women, Infants and Children (WIC), La Manzana Community Resources, Live Oak Community Resources, Mountain Community Resources, Nueva Vista Community Resources, Elderday Adult Day Health Care, Lift Line and Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County.

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Family Services provide care, stability, and hope when families need it most. None of it would have been possible without your support.Here’s what we accomplished together: 🛒 88,111 bags of food distributed to fight hunger and nourish families 🤝 13,433 crisis support visits offering guidance in moments of need 🧠 863 mental health counseling visits to strengthen well-being and resilienceBehind each number is a story of comfort, healing, and support. Together, we’re building stronger, healthier families.See more in our 2025 Annual Report: 👉 communitybridges.org/annual-reportsThank you for standing with families in our community. ... See MoreSee Less
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