Pastor Gets Award for Community Service

Elk Grove pastor Troy Marshall was one of six Sacramento-area community leaders honored Thursday at the Molina Healthcare of California Community Champions Awards Dinner in Sacramento.

Marshall, who heads the Christian Faith Church, organizes Thanksgiving basket giveaways for about 350 families in the Sacramento City and Elk Grove school districts each year, and raises funds to pay families’ utility bills during Christmas. His wife Annwen Marshall accepted the award on his behalf Wednesday as he was out of the country on missionary work.

"What a great honor it is for me to receive this award," Troy Marshall said in a pre-recorded speech shown at Thursday's dinner.

Marshall was nominated by Elk Grove Healthy Start.

The other honorees are:

-Vickie Guanzon (Arden-Carmichael): An apartment manager at the Villa Capri/Arden Villa Apartments complex who mentors child refugees and victims of

"I do what I do because people need help," Guanzon said. "The economy is down and some people don't know where to go."

-Carolina Rojas-Gore (Sacramento): Univision’s director of community affairs who leads the local “Enterate” health campaign that educates viewers on health issues.

-Melissa Binger (Midtown Sacramento): A woman who provides community resources and online public health records for homeless and at-risk teens.

-Katie Laackmann (West Sacramento): A 16-year-old volunteer who organizes advocacy activities for disabled youth

-Isabel Flores (Natomas): A volunteer who organizes a monthly health fair with the American Cancer Society to provide the Spanish-speaking community with cancer screenings and flu shots.

The award comes with a grant for the non-profit organzation of the recipient's choice, Molina officials said. 

“Molina Healthcare is honored to recognize local, everyday heroes like Troy Marshall,” said Lisa Rubino, president of Molina Healthcare of California. “Troy is a wonderful example of how someone can make his community a better place with dedication and commitment.”