Walk & Knock president wins philanthropy award
Paulettos and Peterson honored for charitable leadership
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Joe and Teresa Pauletto and Vernon Peterson have been honored for their charitable giving, volunteerism and leadership by Vancouver’s Community Foundation.
The Foundation, a public charity that invests, grows and grants funds to deserving local nonprofit groups, has named the Paulettos its 2010 Philanthropists of the Year. Peterson earned the title 2010 Friend of the Foundation.
All three will be recognized at the Foundation’s annual luncheon, set for May 12 at the Hilton Vancouver Washington. Doors open at 11 a.m. and the program begins at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased through www.cfsww.org or 360-694-2550.
The Paulettos “are quiet but devoted charitable leaders who have made a considerable impact on our community,” said Richard Melching, Community Foundation president. “The depth of their work is only matched by the size of their hearts.”
As president of the 2009 Walk and Knock food drive, Joe Pauletto set a high bar, challenging the community to break all previous records for largesse during the drive’s 25th anniversary year — a time of recession, high unemployment and extreme need. The community met the challenge, donating 162 tons of food and $50,000 in cash.
The Paulettos also support the Southwest Washington Medical Center Foundation, where Joe serves as secretary for the Board of Directors, and the Clark County Early Learning Foundation, where Teresa is a key supporter. The Paulettos support many other local nonprofits, from Evergreen Habitat for Humanity and the YWCA to Medical Teams International and the Columbia Land Trust.
Vern Peterson, founder of the accounting firm Peterson & Associates in 1962, has been a leader of organizations like the Clark College Foundation, the Columbia River Economic Development Council and the Ft. Vancouver Historical Society. He has served the Community Foundation both as a financial adviser and as an advocate to other philanthropists.
The Friend of the Foundation award is given to those who provide both professional and personal support to the Foundation.
Since it was established in 1984 the Community Foundation has distributed more than $87 million to groups and causes in Southwest Washington.
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