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.

For more than 100 years combined, Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County and Grey Bears have delivered more than just food—we’ve delivered hope, dignity, and connection to tens of thousands of older adults in Santa Cruz County.Today, we’re facing one of our greatest challenges yet. As demand for meals among local seniors rises, critical federal programs like CalFresh (SNAP) and the National Senior Nutrition Program (NSIP) have been severely cut. These safety nets are lifelines for local older adults who are already forced to choose between groceries, rent, and medication.When food support disappears, the ripple effects hit our entire community—impacting health care, housing, and transportation systems—and make local programs like Meals on Wheels and Grey Bears all the more essential. 💛 You can make a difference.Your support helps bring food—and hope—straight to the doorstep of someone who truly needs it.📍 Donate today:Community Bridges ➡️ communitybridges.org/donateGrey Bears ➡️ greybears.org/ways-to-give📖 Learn how we’re banding together at the table for local seniors:🔗 bit.ly/4kJi3ag Together, we can ensure no senior is forgotten.Together, we can feed hope.#MealsOnWheels #GreyBears #CommunityBridges #FeedHope #TogetherAtTheTable #SantaCruzCares@ ... See MoreSee Less
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Ten Years Strong - Thanks to YOU!Because of your unwavering support, our 10th Annual Farm to Fork Gala was an unforgettable celebration of community, compassion, and impact.Together, you supported all ten Community Bridges programs, touching the lives of over 20,000 local children, families, and older adults. Your generosity fueled essential services, expanded equitable access to resources, and brought health and dignity across every stage of life on our Central Coast. This milestone is yours to celebrate. We’re endlessly grateful for your partnership.Enjoy these highlights from a night we’ll never forget — and mark your calendar for next year!If you weren’t able to attend, there’s still time to make an impact. Join us at communitybridges.org/donate 💚 ... See MoreSee Less
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