Downey's top volunteers to be honored tonight

Representatives from various civic organizations pose for their annual picture at the Downey Coordinating Council in April.

DOWNEY — The Downey Coordinating Council will honor Downey’s volunteers of the year at its annual Community Service Awards Banquet tonight at the Woman’s Club.

COVID pandemic restrictions prohibited the event for two years.

“This is a very significant and special event for so many people,” explained Lois Buchanan, banquet chairperson. “Many people work quietly behind the scenes and they deserve this opportunity to be recognized for their contributions to the city.”

The annual honorees are selected by their respective organizations. Seventeen organizations have resumed participation this year.

In addition to being celebrated and feted, award recipients receive certificates of recognition from federal, state and local elected officials.

This year’s honorees include:

Rachel Gluck - Assistance League of Downey
Anita Rivero - Citizens Climate Lobby
William Wallace - Creative Purpose
Alistair Hunter - Downey Arts Coalition
Gabriel Enamorado - Downey Conservancy
G. Aron Ramirez - Downey Historical Society
Jonathan Browning - Downey Rose Float Association
Lorine Parks - Downey Symphonic Society
Wanda Iacovitti - Exchange Club Family Support Center
Teri Perno - FoodHelp
Karen Voigt - Friends of the Downey City Library
Daniel Frase - Keep Downey Beautiful
Dorothy Pemberton - PTA HELPS
Rich Strayer - Rotary Club of Downey
Rebecca Strayer - Soroptimist International of Downey
Fabiola Barcena - Toastmasters
Anna Orozco - Woman’s Club of Downey