November 12th the North County Philanthropy Council will honor 48 outstanding volunteers from across the county for their contributions of time, talent, and resources that are so vital to the success of our member organizations. We congratulate and celebrate them all! The Council will also present two special awards, the Corporate Philanthropy Award and the Spirit of Carol Sigelman Award.

The 2009 Corporate Philanthropy Award is presented to a corporation, business, or employee-managed grant-making fund that has demonstrated outstanding civic and charitable responsibility to North County. The Council is very pleased to announce this year’s honoree, Genentech. Founded more than 30 years ago, Genentech is a leading biotechnology company that discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes medicines to treat patients with serious or life-threatening medical conditions, including breast cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. Genentech’s Oceanside employees are active in a number of community-based initiatives. The company supports North County communities through corporate contributions, volunteering, and other outreach programs including the company's signature local economic development program, "Genentech Goes to Town.” Most recently, the company held its annual Volunteer Day at which more than 200 Genentech employee volunteers donated their time and services to 20 community organizations.

The 2009 Spirit of Carol Sigelman Award a tribute to the life and work of Carol Sigelman, former NCPC board member and development professional. The award is given to an individual who exemplifies the passion, integrity, wisdom and humor that Carol brought to all of us, both personally and professionally. Her motto was “Get the job done – and done well”. Carol passed away in 2005. This year’s honoree is Katie Ragazzi. Katie Ragazzi founded the Escondido Children’s Museum 10 years ago. Over the years the museum grew to become a vital community asset. Katie is currently serving as the Executive Director of the Escondido Educational Foundation. Katie left behind a bold legacy at the ECM and continues to be involved with the Grape Day revitalization effort she began through collaboration with the Escondido History Center. In 2009, Katie began a grassroots effort to found the Escondido Nonprofit Summit, a group that brought together the nonprofits of the Escondido community with other community leaders to discuss the economic impact of nonprofits. This dialog has continued well past these initial meetings. Additionally, other communities are opening up similar dialogs based on the success of this Escondido effort. Katie truly exemplifies through her leadership, integrity, wisdom, and passion the Spirit of Carol Sigelman.

For further information about the North County Philanthropy Council, please contact Mary Stanton, Executive Coordinator, at info@ncphilanthropy.org or 858-673-7288.

North County Philanthropy Council
11956 Bernardo Plaza Drive, #120
San Diego, California 92128

Tina Inscoe, President
760-443-6367 / tsinscoe@yahoo.com