Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce 2023
Celebrate Morgan Hill Awards
The Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce honored its annual 2023
Celebrate Award winners at a March 12 dinner and reception at Guglielmo Winery . The theme of the evening was “ Sip & Celebrate : A Vintage Garden Party .”
Chamber President Nick Gaich shared that the 2023 awardees are “ a stellar reflection of inspiration and community engagement , posing all the characteristics of leadership that instills respect , trust and wisdom .”
Each year , the chamber recognizes individuals , nonprofits , and businesses for the annual Celebrate awards . The winners were nominated by the community and selected by a voting committee made up of past winners . The awardees are selected for their continued efforts in going above and beyond for the betterment of the community of Morgan Hill .
“ Morgan Hillers are dedicated to this community . They are dedicated to the residents , dedicated to the businesses , but more importantly , they are dedicated to each other . It is humbling for me to stand here today as a part of this community .” Gaich said .
Woman of the Year : Mary Cortani
After a 9-year Vietnam-era military career training dogs in search of explosives and contraband , and several post-service years of working with dogs , Mary Cortani answered the call from a veteran who had been awaiting a service dog for over a year . Tired of waiting , the veteran contacted Mary to help him train a dog he adopted . This call was the inspiration Mary needed to launch Operation Freedom Paws in 2010 . Since then , her organization has helped more than 500 clients and dogs by pairing them together as “ service teams .” The teams undergo a 48-week training program designed to build a highly functioning , interdependent bond . Her nationally recognized program has received numerous awards , including the CNN Hero award in 2012 .
For Mary , it ’ s not the recognition that matters , it ’ s the lives her program is able to transform . “ The most amazing thing ,” Mary shares , “ is to see the person and the animal transform into this amazing working team where they just help each other navigate life and they create a new normal .”
Operation Freedom Paws offers a holistic wellness approach by partnering with other agencies to provide wraparound services , resulting in brighter futures for clients and their families , and giving loving homes to sheltered and rescued dogs – after each dog is put through a 30-point evaluation to qualify it for service . The organization empowers veterans , first responders , children , and individuals with disabilities by pairing them with their pre-screened dogs . Clients are mentored thought the program , training their dogs to support the clients ’ disabilities . Through this journey , clients become equipped with tools , skills , and techniques to help them to regain their independence and engage in their communities . The program is 100 % free to clients .
Mary ’ s visionary , transformational leadership is the foundation of her legacy as a champion for animals and individuals , and the facilitator of holistic health and well-being for all souls in the process . For her , the reward comes from her clients ’ successes . She sums things up by sharing , “ My life is blessed . I may not be worth a lot of money , but I am very rich .”
24 SUMMER 2023 gmhTODAY Magazine : Go . Make history ... gmhtoday . com