The Volunteer Center's 2008 Community Spirit Awardees

Sarah Deragon

San Francisco County Awardee

Although she has only lived in San Francisco since 2006, Sarah has established herself as a leading volunteer at the San Francisco LGBT Community Center, and in the San Francisco community. She is the co-chair of Center Women Present, a community initiative program of The San Francisco LGBT Community Center, and has also designed and implemented two new programs: Newcomers and Big Bunch of Whatever. Since its inception, Newcomers has helped over 40 women who are new to the area access necessary information and resources, and Big Bunch of Whatever is a monthly social event that brings together the San Francisco queer women's community. Sarah's skills organizing and planning events have made Center Women Present into one of the most recognized groups in this community, and by proactively reaching out, she has successfully linked together many disparate elements of this community. Her passion and enthusiasm inspire others, and her creativity, drive and work ethic have created meaningful and necessary programs for queer women. She exemplifies true community spirit by putting the needs of others before her personal interests. Sarah's infectious positive energy and willingness to have a good time ensure that those around her are inspired, engaged, and feel good about their participation. In only ten months, Sarah has put in over 550 hours of volunteering at the San Francisco LGBT Community Center. She not only embodies the spirit of this community, but she builds it person-by-person on a daily basis. The Volunteer Center is honored to recognize Sarah Deragon for her service to the Bay Area community with the 2008 Community Spirit Award.

Katy Rhoades

San Mateo County Awardee

Over the past 22 years, Katy Rhoades has developed a reputation as a tireless and selfless volunteer. Katy's first venture in community service was in starting a parent support group and newsletter for California Children's Services in 1986. As a parent of a child with disabilities, this topic was close to her heart, and Katy helped to fill a need in the community. She continues to champion the right of accessibility to services for people with disabilities through volunteering with the San Mateo County Commission on Disabilities, the Health Plan of San Mateo, the Meals on Wheels Coalition and New Beginning Coalition. When Katy's son turned 18, his youth-related disability services ended, and she found herself having to navigate through a new network of resources to support his independence, so Katy translated this experience into a bi-annual event. The Transition to Independence Fair provides families with resources for housing, recreation programs, and job training, to help them successfully transition youth with disabilities into independent living. Katy is not only a strong advocate for people with disabilities; she also champions causes that serve the impoverished. Katy's involvement with Second Harvest Food Bank has spanned 11 years and all levels of the organization. From front-line help through management level support, Katy is willing to do whatever is needed to get a job done. A typical week for her includes: multiple meetings, strategic planning for community events, as well as outreach and solicitation of in-kind gifts for fundraising and volunteer appreciation. Katy Rhoades looks for the need in her community and then works to make a positive change. The Volunteer Center is honored to recognize her with our 2008 Community Spirit Award.