– Man of the Year: Bruce Williams
– Woman of the Year: Karen LaCorte
– Volunteer of theYear: Joe Duarte
– Small Business of the Year: Country Clutter
– Large Business of the Year: St. Louise Regional Hospital
Bruce Williams
Brief Bio: Williams served on the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for six years. He also serves as the President of the Gilroy Exchange Club and as the Gilroy Parks and Recreation Commissioner.
Dispatch story to run: Dec. 23
Karen LaCorte
Brief Bio: LaCorte coordinated the ‘Just Believe’ fashion show, is a member of the Arts and Culture Commission, serves on the Leadership Gilroy Foundation Board of Directors, and has chaired the Gilroy Garlic Cook-off two years running.
Dispatch story to run: Dec. 30
Joe Duarte
Duarte volunteers for the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce. He stores all the city’s Christmas decorations free of charge and helps with set up. He also volunteers his time at special events and is a member of the Brew Crew at the Garlic Festival.
Dispatch story to run: Jan. 6
Country Clutter
Brief Bio: Peggy Ghysels, left, and Sue Thurman have created a store of home and gift items. The pair donates proceeds from gift wrapping to benefit Rebekah’s Children’s Services. They volunteer to benefit to the Salvation Army, the Lords Table, and the Gilroy Garlic Festival. Country Clutter also hosts a ‘Girls Night Out’ each year to benefit breast cancer research.
Dispatch story to run: Jan. 13
St. Louise Regional Hospital
Brief Bio: St. Louise Regional Hospital (CEO Ted Fox above) is the only hospital serving South Santa Clara County. The hospital provides millions of dollars worth of charity annually to support the uninsured and poor.
Dispatch story to run: Jan. 20
Profiles on each recipient will run during in the Dispatch over the next several weeks. Winners of the awards will be recognized at the annual dinner Saturday, Feb. 4 at the San Juan Oaks Golf Club.
