Puertas Abiertas Named '2013 Nonprofit Organization of the Year'

 Puertas Abiertas was named '2013 Nonprofit Organization of the Year' at the seventh annual Napa Valley Community Awards Even.

  “We work with over 35 other nonprofits in the Napa Valley to help Napa Valley’s most vulnerable populations,” said Rejane Brito, Executive Director. “It’s just amazing how we all come together—this is Napa!”

The eight-year-old nonprofit was founded to work with Latinos to inspire and achieve healthy living, self-sufficiency, and opportunities for leadership. The agency works with a host of other nonprofits to help connect nearly 500 families to the education and resources they need to achieve stability.

The group’s collaborative spirit and successful programs were among the reasons it won the award.  Other nominees included Girls on the Run Napa Valley, Queen of the Valley Medical Center, United Cerebral Palsy of the North Bay, and Vine Village.

The annual “Celebrating Community” awards event, sponsored by the Napa Chamber Foundation and Mechanics Bank and attended by Napa’s business and civic leaders, was held at the Napa Valley Marriott Hotel and Spa.

The event is “a recognition of local community leaders, individuals and businesses for their outstanding leadership, contributions and achievements toward the betterment of our communities in Napa Valley,” says Chris Messina, President of the Napa Chamber and board member of the Napa Chamber Foundation.

“Collectively, these inspiring over-achievers help define Napa as one of the best places to live not only in California but in the U.S,” he said.

This year’s nine “community heroes” included previously announced Downtown Napa Association executive director Craig Smith, honored as Nonprofit Employee of the Year; Napa County Sheriff John Robertson, Public Safety Person of the Year; Kaiser Permanente physician Dr. James Cotter, Healthcare Professional of the Year; Doris Gentry, Community Booster of the Year; Historic Napa Mill and Napa River Inn general manager Sara Brooks, Hospitality/ Tourism Professional of the Year; West Park Elementary School Teacher Kimberly Douma, Teacher of the Year; and Napa Valley College students Nicholas Giaccio and Leila Carmel Norris, who shared the Student of the Year award.

Napa Mayor Jill Techel, presenting the Nonprofit Employee award, described Craig Smith as “bright, smart and often a smart Alec—which is why we love him!”

Accepting the Public Safety Professional award, Sheriff Robertson joked, “I’m really glad it’s not a firefighter again!”

Dr. Paul Loftus, presenting the Community Booster award to Doris Gentry, warned the audience Gentry was “not exactly a shrinking violet” and she proved him right by using the opportunity to promote one of her many projects, the newly resurrected Napa Fourth of July Parade. 

But Gentry also took on a more serious subject, talking about her passion for aiding foster children—of whom she has helped more than 100—and complimenting Napa County’s exemplary foster program for its hands-on approach.

 In her acceptance remarks, Douma explained her teaching philosophy, speaking of how her childhood vision problems had taught her important lessons about the value of learning through music, dance and other alternatives to reading—lessons she employs each day in the classroom.

 The two Student of the Year award-winners, recognized for their outstanding academic performance and generous volunteer commitments, received scholarship checks donated by The Wiseman Company, a full service real estate company headquartered in the North Bay.

 In addition to Chamber Foundation and Mechanics Bank other sponsors include The Wiseman Company, The Doctors Company, and KVON 1440AM.

 The Napa Community Awards welcome nominations from the public each year; anyone can nominate a candidate in any category.  To find out more about the annual program contact the Napa Chamber at 707-226-7455 or via the website napachamberfoundation.org.