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What do a legislative leader, former NFL star, high school swimmer, national pizza chain, and foster youth service provider have in common? They will all be honored at the Ninth Annual East Bay Awards, the area’s pre-eminent black tie event, on Saturday, Jan. 23.
The program, which features Sunne Wright McPeak as the Citizen of the Year, honors those who have made a major impact for the betterment of the East Bay community and raises funds for the East Bay Leadership Foundation. Tickets are still available for the event that will begin at 6 p.m. at the Blackhawk Auto Museum, 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle in Danville.
“In today’s economy, we feel it is all the more important to recognize those who think of others first and celebrate those contributions to our community,” said Vintage Foster, founder and chair of the East Bay Leadership Foundation and the East Bay Awards.
“My only reservation about naming Sunne Wright McPeak our Citizen of the Year is that it’s taken too long to bestow this award upon her. We are also thrilled to honor Napoleon Kaufman, a former professional athlete who had many career options open to him because of his celebrity. Instead, he chose the path of ministry to the betterment of mankind and the poor and we are proud to call him a fellow East Bay resident.”
The full list of Ninth Annual East Bay Award winners includes:
• Citizen of the Year: McPeak’s resume of public service includes her roles as President and CEO of the California Emerging Technology Fund, Secretary of the California Business, Technology and Housing Agency as appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, President and CEO of the Bay Area Council, and Supervisor of Contra Costa County.
• Chairman’s Award: Napoleon Kaufman, a former Los Angeles Raider star running back, is only the second individual to receive this prestigious honor. Kaufman has dedicated his entire existence to improving the lives of others in his role as pastor of The Well Church and by leading volunteer teams to serve the needy in Richmond, Oakland, Livermore, San Francisco and destitute locations abroad.
• Corporate Citizen Award: Round Table Pizza, headquartered in Concord, provides countless donations in support of educational programs across the nation and offers every employee two paid days off annually to volunteer in the community.
• Community Service Award: First Place for Youth offers affordable housing and supportive services to former foster youth. The nonprofit is considered a national model for facilitating a safe, supported transition from foster care for youth ages 16-24.
• Youth Award: Kylie Reed, a junior at Vallejo High School, maintains a 4.3 GPA while serving as Chair of the Business Leadership Committee, Secretary of both the Advanced Placement Club and California Scholarship Federation, and Captain of the Varsity Swim Team. She also finds time to volunteer as a tutor and librarian assistant for Highland Elementary’s fourth- and fifth-graders.
Proceeds from the East Bay Awards gala will support students like Reed, who seek a college education as a way to succeed and give back to the impoverished neighborhoods in which they live. The Bay Area Leadership Foundation provides personal and academic skill development, academic and career-related field trips, and mentoring. Depending on the performance of the student, their financial need, and the college or university they attend, graduates of the program each receive up to $6,500 a year.
“The East Bay Awards raises funds and awareness about the impact our organization has on transforming the lives of Bay Area youth who may otherwise go unnoticed and fall through the cracks,” said Greg Young, executive director of the Bay Area Leadership Foundation.
Tickets at $350/seat or $3,500/table of 10 are available by calling the Foundation at 510-622-7881. The East Bay Awards sponsorship team includes:
• Presenting Sponsor: Armanino McKenna LLP
• Host Sponsor: ABC 7
• Dinner Sponsor: Bay Area Development Co.
• Media Sponsor: San Francisco Business Times
Established in 2001, the Bay Area Leadership Foundation serves students from Oakland, Richmond, Vallejo, Pittsburg and San Jose – some of the Bay Area’s most economically-challenged areas. The nonprofit’s goal is for each student in the program to graduate from higher education and become a productive member the local community. And, in turn, give back time and resources to the next generation.
