Rohnert Park and Cotati Outstanding Volunteers to be Recognized at Sixth 'Run for the Roses'

The sixth annual Sonoma County Adult and Youth Development community volunteer awards is much more than an awards ceremony: it's an all-out event. Keeping with the theme of the Kentucky Derby, the "Run for the Roses" will feature a hat contest, photo opportunities with a horse, a southern-style buffet, a cake auction and a silent and live auction for other items donated by local businesses.

Party-goers will also have the chance to watch the Kentucky Derby on a big screen TV and bid on the horses for raffle prizes. The dinner, provided by Sally Tomatoes, starts at 2:30 p.m.

What: SCAYD's 6th Annual "Run for the Roses," the charity's biggest event of the year. 
When: May 7, noon on.  
Why: All proceeds benefit SCAYD — the local nonprofit that provides life assistance to kids, teens, families and homeless in need. Some services include emergency food, rent and bill assistance and counseling for teens.
Where: Sally Tomatoes Event Center//Sonoma Mountain Village Plaza Room
Cost: Tickets are $50 each, and include dinner and complimentary wine.
Dress: somewhat formal — not casual, not black tie.

Nominees are:

• Project benefiting youth: John Dell'Osso, Jennifer Wiltermood, Jenna Durney and Eric Kenner.
• Youth sports: Mike Harris, Paul Garret and Jeff Kalemba.
• Going green environmental: Conservation Corps North Bay and Darren Patterson.
• Outstanding civil servant: Marsha Sue Lustig and Lisa Moore.
• Sonoma State Volunteer: Join Us Making Progress, or JUMP and  Hayley Fenech.
• Education related: Ed Gilardi, Vera Blanquie and Kim Franzini.
• Teen volunteer: Brenda Carillo-Cruz and Kailani Yamanoha.
• Community volunteer: John Moore, Betty Triangali, David Armstrong, Carol Lindman, Rosalind Morino, Leo Alberigi, Pat Anderson, Bob & Alice Larsen, George Malkemus, J.T. Henley, Josh Joyce and Kevin Chapin.
• Charitable business: Cheryl Nixon, Gus Trevena, Chris Jantz, Aaron Locks, Venus Maher and DK Landscaping.
• The arts volunteer: Jami Brady, Marie McNaughton and the Cotati Arts Project.