Lynsey Paulo of KCRA Channel
3 served as master of ceremonies for the event for a second
year. Dinner music was provided by members of the Sacramento
Youth Symphony's Chamber Workshop. The children
and staff of the American River College Child
Development Center provided beautiful floral
centerpieces for the tables.
The awards ceremony began by presenting two Community
Service awards to two organizations who have contributed
their efforts to the development of child care services.
Supervisor Roger Dickinson, Chair
of the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors, presented
the first Community Award to Rick Larkey
of The
Slavic Project, for the Project's work
within the Slavic Community to create and buld a network
of child care providers.
Al Milan, of Warmline
Family Resource Center,
accepted the second Community Award of the evening from
Supervisor Don Nottoli. The Warmlime Family
Resource Center was recognized for its commitment and
efforts in providign infomration, education and support
to promote and strengthen the foundation of families and
children with special needs.
Elinor Hickey, Sacramento County Board
of Education Trustee, presented Carol Svanda,
Dee Thomas and Lupe Morales
of Beanstalk's
Ridgepoint Latchkey Program
with the Program Excellence Award.
Ms. Hickey then presented the Family Child Care Provider
of the Year Award to Mary
Anne O'Shaughnessy.
Teacher of the Year honors
were presented to Joette
Lee,
American River College Child Development Center, by Supervisor
Don Nottoli.
Roger Dickinson presented the final award of the evening,
the Inclusive Care Award, to Sally
Sutter and St.
Stephen's Preschool
for their efforts to provide and sustain an inclusive
child care environment.
"In Praise of Providers" has grown substantially
as an event since it's inception 22 years ago. The awards
dinner, first presented by the Sacramento Child Care
Coalition in 1984, recognizes outstanding child care
providers and individuals within the community who have
contributed their efforts to the development of quality
child care services.. Formed in 1982, the Sacramento
Child Care Coalition created 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. It is our sincere hope you will
join us at our celebration next year.
Click on the following links for more on the 2005 "In
Praise of Providers" event:
Back Row from left to right: Supervisor Roger Dickinson,
Mary Anne O'Shaughnessy, unknown, Rick Larkey, Supervisor
Don Notolli, Lupe Morales, Al Milan. Front row from left
to right: Joette Lee, Sally Sutter, Dee Thomas, Carol Svanda,
Board of Education Trustee Elinor Hickey, Jean Bury
