Award Winners 2015

The Be the Difference Awards recognize the people, groups and businesses who make a difference in Santa Cruz County through volunteerism.

Each year we reach out to you to help us determine who should receive honors.

We ask and you answer with extraordinary stories of those who have chosen to make their moments meaningful and transform our community through volunteerism. Check out our winners from 2015.

2015 Be the Difference Award Winners

Meet Ceil- Individual Winner

For over 20 years Ceil Cirrillo has devoted many hours of service to dozens of community organizations. She tackles difficult political and financial issues; brings people together to address needs; raises and generously gives funds; and personally identifies, recruits, and mentors new volunteers for a variety of causes.   She is a true champion for furthering arts, education, health, and  economic opportunity in Santa Cruz County.

Meet Cori- Individual Winner

Since the 1970s, Cori Troiani has been a nurturing and caring volunteer for a variety of organizations including Kuumbwa, the Arts League, and Hospice. For the last 7 years, she has been a volunteer for Women Care, providing women with a cancer diagnosis with support during their treatment. Cori is a compassionate, knowledgeable volunteer, giving her service to women in their most sensitive times...Continue Reading

Meet Marshall- Individual Winner

Almost 90 years old, Dr. Marshall Bautz has served the community since 1979. As an active volunteer at the Volunteer Center , he supported his late wife with the Literacy Program, as well as spearheaded and raised money for our new building. For over 36 years, Dr. Marshall Bautz has given his time, energy and talent to serve his community, modeling positive group dynamics, combining scientific knowledge with social awareness and showing his respect and compassion for others.

Meet Granite Construction - Business Winner

Granite Construction has a long history of engaging their employees in the community.  Most recently they have focused their volunteer effort on supporting Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services. Due to the generosity of Granite Construction, Jacob’s Heart now has a wonderful new space where they can continue to improve the quality of life for each child and support their families. Their dedicated employees have volunteered countless hours for Jacob’s Heart....Continue Reading

Meet CASA of Santa Cruz County - Non Profit  Winner

At present, over 550 children are in the dependency (foster) care system in Santa Cruz County. Volunteer Advocates are court-appointed with a child in foster care. Each of these volunteers brings about lasting change in the lives of these children. Since CASA’s inception in 1992, the organization has trained over 1,200 Volunteer Advocates and served almost 2,000 children and youth in foster care. For many children an Advocate is the one consistent adult presence in their life.