Sip and Celebrate Morgan Hill Award Honorees

Sip & CElebrate

Congratulations to our AAUW Branch and to two special members, who will be honored at the Chamber of Commerce “Sip & Celebrate” garden party on Sunday, March 12, for going “above and beyond for Morgan Hill.”

  • AAUW Morgan Hill: Non-Profit Organization of the Year
  • Kathy (Kat) Chavez Napoli: Volunteer of the Year
  • Cecelia Ponzini: Legacy Award

AAUW MH, Non-Profit of the Year, is being recognized for its extensive community service and involvement. Chamber President, Nick Gaich, made the announcement at the February board meeting, calling AAUW a “foundational asset” for its activities and for all the lives they touch: raising thousands of dollars each year at the Wildflower Run, now in its 40th year, for local scholarships and grants, Tech Trek, hosting monthly educational and inspiring programs at the library, organizing candidate forums in election years, providing leadership programs for women and girls, and supporting climate action and education.

Kathy (Kat) Napoli Chavez, Volunteer of the Year, works with several different non-profit organizations:  Chamber’s Rock the Mock skill building sessions at the local high schools, MH Historical Society Board of Directors with a focus on Hispanic and Native American cultures, and AAUW MH DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Committee developing related programming. 

Cecelia Ponzini is being awarded the Chamber’s first Legacy Award for her service to the community through the Edward Boss Prado Foundation that she and her husband Gary established in 2013 to provide resources for those in need. Among its numerous programs are: Cecelia’s Closet and food pantry, backpacks for children, holiday toy collection, and free internet and homework tutors, to name just a few. Cecelia is also a major supporter of AAUW MH local scholarships.

Other Chamber awards this year go to Charles Weston, Man of the Year, and husband of branch member Lesley Miles, and to Rosy’s at the Beach restaurant, Small Business of the Year, one of our favorite places for Wine & Whine.

To reserve a place at one of the AAUW tables, contact Suman or send a check payable to AAUW MH in the amount of $90 to Carol O’Hare or pay using Venmo. (Details provided after receiving your RSVP.) The deadline to RSVP is March 5.

Please join us for an afternoon celebrating with branch members and friends as we recognize these and all the 2023 Celebrate honorees.

Return to March/April 2023 Newsletter