2018 Annual Awards Breakfast

YSC United Way Awards Major Honors To Nine Individuals

Here are the award winners from the Yuba-Sutter-Colusa United Way breakfast this past Thursday, August 26.

Life-long area resident John Nicoletti won one of two winners of the prestigious "Pedro Award" given. The award for community volunteer service is named after an unknown donor who started giving small amounts monthly in 1977 and left only the name Pedro with his monthly donations.

“I think the best thing about all of this is just giving ourselves permission to do good and being able to help out," said Nicoletti. "We all have permission to do good.”

Nicoletti, during his some 30 years of civic involvement, has been part of about 17 civic organizations and served as a board member for some 11 organizations. He was also founding member of the Marysville Citizen's Advisory Committee. The former Yuba County Supervisor is now involved in several volunteer organizations, including the local Habitat for Humanity organization and is a Yuba College Culinary instructor. He also serves as a Senior Field Representative for Congressman Garamendi. .

The second Pedro Award winner was Jim Leonard, who leads "The River Bottoms Ministry" from the kitchen at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church. He and some 70 volunteers have fed the homeless twice a week for a decade or more.

Bob Harlan, executive director of Yuba-Sutter-Colusa United Way, spoke of Leonard's contributions.

“He and about 10 "silent partners" have developed a close relationship with the men, women and children who constitute our homeless population. He is a man who most homeless people know as someone who hears their needs and will advocate for them,” said Harlan.

"The Bill Smith Award" is meant to acknowledge United Way's board members and volunteers for their support and commitment to the organization. Tom Walther, who has served United Way for more than 20 years, won the honor. Walther has served as president of United Way, been a top fundraiser for many events, served as award committee chair for many years and has been a top fundraiser. Tom always keeps a positive attitude and warm smile, just like Bill Smith.

"The Nancy Ferreira Leadership Award" (created in memory of Nancy Ferreira, who, according to United Way, was a long-time executive director whose spirit, actions, values and dedication benefited the Yuba-Sutter-Colusa area) was awarded to Ron and Norma Giovannetti. They were cited for their exceptional generosity shown towards non-profit organizations such as Feather River Men's Center, California Highway Patrol Chips for Kids, and the Rideout Health Foundation. They've also been generous supporters of the Colusa Casino Resort Celebrity Golf Tournament which donates it's net proceeds to United Way.

"The President's Award" is given to individuals, businesses or organizations for their exceptional work and dedication andwas awarded to two individuals. The first recipient was Eric Pomeroy, who has provided his professional sound equipment (he owns Superior Entertainment) for numerous special events ever since he became a United Way board member two years ago. The second recipient was Ryan Graham, who is about to celebrate his first year on the board. According to Sukh Sidhu, president of the United Way board, Graham hit the ground running full speed by being a part of every event they've done and being a solid fundraiser in his role as Campaign Chair for 2018-2019. He exhibits a high amount of energy and passion to help those in need.