The San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation announces deadline of May 1

Nominations are now being accepted for the Fourth Annual Isabel P. Ruiz Humanitarian Award. Established through the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation (SLOCCF), the award recognizes SLO County individuals who demonstrate leadership, influence and advocacy in the pursuit of community organizing.

The deadline for nominations is May 1 and forms can be found online at www.sloccf.org by clicking on "Apply for an Award". Submit completed forms by mail to P.O. Box 1580, San Luis Obispo, CA 93406 or by fax to (805) 543-2346.

“With Isabel’s recent passing, this year’s Humanitarian Award  will not only honor the individual who has followed in her footsteps, but will also be a special remembrance of this remarkable woman’s contributions  to our community,” said Foundation Executive Director Barry VanderKelen.

Previous honorees are: Lidia Arango McCune in 2009 for her outstanding efforts as Latino Program Coordinator for Hospice of SLO County; Rae Belle Gambs in 2008 for her 20 years as an inspiring advocate for the mentally ill and their families; and Paso Robles educator Marisela Garcia in  2007 for her outstanding efforts on behalf of minority students and migrant families.

Criteria for eligibility are:

• Resident of San Luis Obispo County
• Demonstrated selfless desire to help others
• Demonstrated community leadership in San Luis Obispo County
• Demonstrated steady, ongoing advocacy to create change
• Demonstrated ability to influence others to create change

The award is named after longtime community volunteer advocate, the late Isabel Ruiz. The Isabel P. Ruiz Humanitarian Award was established in 2007 by Bill Broadbent, to honor Ruiz, a local community health advocate. In a tribute letter that appeared in The Tribune, Broadbent wrote, “Isabel often  said she wanted to ‘be the bridge’ that would lead struggling individuals to a self-sufficient life. She was one of the hardest working people I’ve even  known and a great role model by any measure.” For more information on the Isabel P. Ruiz Humantarian Award or the Community Foundation, call (805) 543-2323 or log onto www.sloccf.org.