The picturesque setting of Harveston Lake in Temecula came alive with gratitude and inspiration and was perfect for a heartfelt gathering on July 20. Organized by the nonprofit MALHY, this event was more than just a photo session; it was a tribute to the remarkable individuals whose contributions have profoundly impacted the community. The picturesque location mirrored the beauty and strength of the people being honored.
Each participant was nominated by their peers, a testament to their influence and impact. The criteria for selection were simple yet profound: each individual had significantly contributed to the growth and awareness of MALHY. Headquartered in Temecula, the nonprofit serves Riverside and San Diego counties, extending its reach to all of Southern California for special projects.
This gathering at Harveston Lake was designed to express gratitude to these visionaries. The organizers asked each honoree to share a single word that encapsulated their passion and commitment within the community. This unique approach highlighted the essence of their contributions, offering a powerful visual and emotional narrative.
Those honored included Jessica Smith, who, as President of MALHY Community Outreach and Protective Services, is passionate to “inspire.” Carly Bennett-Valle, CEO/CFO of the Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County, shared her passion for “love.” Jarah (Shannon) Besou Shay, CEO and Holistic Practitioner/Trichologist, expressed her passion for being “grateful.”
Also among those celebrated were Tonette Blum, Director of Sales for PM International USA, who is passionate to “believe,” and Angie Blum, who is passionate about “resilience.” Laura Burgues, an entrepreneur and hairstylist, expressed her passion for being “inspirational,” while Yasmin Burks, a firearms safety specialist, is driven to
“Empower.”
The event also honored Tina Casen, a doctor passionate to encompass being “determined,” and Tolanda (Hughes) Chenise, Executive Ambassador for the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce, who stands for “faith.” Juel Copeland, a dean, is passionate about “joy,” while community leader Lowona Crawford embodies being a “visionary.”
Other honorees included Joanna Cruz, founder of Together on Disabilities, whose word is “ambitious,” and Nicole Davis, Assistant Director of ABC Childcare Village and President of Professional Women’s Roundtable, who chose “compassionate.” Attorney Deanna DeCosimo of DeCosimo Law is driven by “legacy,” and Lisa Dewitt, Account Executive with Corner Escrow, values being “authentic.”
The passionate words continued with Mia Hardy, CEO of Address HER Needs, who finds “intrigue” vital, and Darlene Hawley, a leadership development and business coach, who values “resilience.” Dr. Dahlene Holiness, h.c., is all about “empowerment,” and Carol Izard Givens, founder and executive director of Mrs. B’s Table, embodies being a “visionary.”
Kassen Klein, a real estate development consultant, simply stated his passion as “passionate,” while Stephanie Mearse, Vice President, values being a “connector.” Mayor Bridgette Moore of Wildomar thrives on being “collaborative,” and Teri Sue Parker, founder of Good Samaritan Community Food Pantry, is passionate about “nourishment.”
Laurie Provost, CEO of the Professional Women’s Roundtable, chose “fierce,” while Dr. Mary Rankin, a mental health supervisor, emphasized “tenacious.” Event organizer Evia Shaw’s word is “dedicated,” and Kimberle Smith Austin, a business, health, and life strategist, is all about “growth.” Attorney Daisy Tate values being a “convener,” and April Vidal of Miss April’s Dance thrives on “energy.”
Rounding out the honorees were Violet Williams, CEO and transformational life coach, who is passionate about “love,” and Karena Zermeno, founder of the Hemet-San Jacinto Student of the Month program and Business Development Manager at Altura Credit Union, whose word is “serve.”
MALHY’s mission is to lead individuals to accept their free spirit, redefine their freedom, and create a positive personal survival journey. The organization’s purpose is to serve the community with resources for those aged 10-25. This mission is carried out through various programs addressing critical issues of Mental Health: Providing counseling, mediation services, and support; Addiction Recovery: Offering recovery programs, job placement, housing, food, and clothing; Love: Fostering deep, meaningful connections within the community; Human Trafficking Support: Assisting with medical exams, legal services, job placement, housing, food, and clothing; Youth Literacy: Conducting financial workshops, etiquette classes, and sports camps. All combined, these critical issues form the acronym of the nonprofit’s name.
MALHY president Jessica Smith is already encouraging the community to save the date for the nonprofit’s third annual fundraising Winter Giving Gala on Dec. 8 at Pechanga Resort Casino’s Eagle’s Nest. Discounted tickets are on sale now through Nov. 30. The nonprofit holds quarterly board meetings, with events and updates regularly published on its website at www.malhy.org.
