"In
Praise of Providers"
2004
Awards Dinner
Over 300 child care providers and their supporters gathered
together on Thursday, April 22nd, at the Sacramento DoubleTree
hotel for the "In Praise of Providers"
awards and recognition dinner. Now in its
20th year, the event sponsored by the Sacramento
Child Care Coalition,
provided an opportunity to recognize outstanding child care
providers in three categories, as well as providers who
have been in the child care profession for over 20 years.
The Sacramento Child Care Coalition was formed in 1982
to provide a forum for government, community agencies, business
leaders, and child care providers to plan child care services
that meet the diverse needs of Sacramento families. In 1997,
the Sacramento Local Child Care and Development
Planning Council became the mandated planning
entity for child care services in Sacramento County. Working
together, Child Action, Inc. and
the Sacramento Local Child Care and Development Planning
Council have continued the Coalition’s tradition of
honoring those in our community that promote and provide
quality child care services for families in the County.
Lynsey Paulo of KCRA Channel
3 served as master of ceremonies for the event. Dinner music
was provided by members of the Sacramento Youth
Symphony's Chamber Workshop. The children and staff
of the CDI centers provided innovative
and creative centerpieces for use on all the tables. Comedian
Jack Gallagher presented a humorous view on
life with children in the after dinner entertainment.
The awards ceremony began by presenting four Community
Service awards to individuals who have contributed their
efforts to the development of child care services.
Ken Cooley, Council member for
the City of Rancho Cordova, presented the first Community
Award to Lynsey
Paulo for her ongoing commitment to reporting
on important issues regarding child care, children and families.
Fellow Rancho Cordova Council member, Robert
McGarvey, then recognized Brent
White of the UPS Foundation for the Foundation's
contribution to literacy projects for children in the Sacramento
Valley District.
State
Assembly Member Darrell Steinberg
received his Community Award from long-time friend Illa
Collin, District 2 Supervisor for the County
of Sacramento. Assembly member Steinberg was recognized
for his ongoing efforts to advocate for children and families,
ensuring child care services are accessible to all.
Roger Dickinson, District 1 Supervisor
for the County of Sacramento, presented the fourth Community
Award to
Lorraine Weatherspoon for
her outstanding work as the School Readiness Coordinator
of Sacramento City Unified School District's Partners for
Readiness Collaborative.
Toby Johnson, one of the original
founders of the Child Care Coalition and a former County
Supervisor, presented Alix Hall
and Leslie Morrill of the
I Street Discovery Tree School with the
Program of the Year award.
Teacher of the Year honors were
presented to Kimberly
Nelson-Ingle, El Rancho School, by Elk
Grove Mayor, Sophia Scherman.
Sacramento City Council member, Sandy Sheedy,
presented Linda
Wooley with the Family Child
Care Provider of the Year award.
Longevity Awards were presented
to child care providers and programs who have provided services
since 1984.
The evening came to a close as Tammy Stevens
read a poetic tribute to Marta
Merlo.
"In Praise of Providers" has grown substantially
as an event since it's inception 20 years ago. It is our
sincere hope you will join us at our celebration next year.
Click on the following links for more on the 2004 "In
Praise of Providers" event:
