The City hosted the annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on Saturday evening June 4, 2016 to honor and recognize the many volunteers who dedicate countless hours of their personal time to make Laguna Niguel a great place to live.
More than 180 volunteers serving on City Commissions and Committees, and those supporting the many programs and special events from the Sea Country Center, Military Support, Holiday Parade, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Auxiliary Communication Services, Police Auxiliary Citizens Team (PACT) and the Niguel Botanical Preserve were in attendance.
The safari-themed evening was highlighted as Betty Pequet was named “2015 Laguna Niguel Citizen of the Year”. Betty has been a resident in Laguna Niguel since 1977 and will be celebrating her 90th birthday on Tuesday.
Betty is currently serving on the Laguna Niguel Senior Citizen Committee and has an impressive list of service with a variety of community organizations.
She has held numerous Board positions with the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce, including serving as their third President. She was a member of the Laguna Niguel Community Council. She has also served on the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club, Monarch Beach Town Center Advisory Board, YMCA, Laguna Niguel Business Club, Moulton Niguel Water District, Laguna Niguel Historical Society, Laguna Niguel Lions Club and Laguna Niguel Senior Citizen’s Club.
Mayor Laurie Davies and Mayor Pro Tem Jerry Slusiewicz, on behalf of the City Council, presented Betty with a Resolution in recognition of all her contributions to make Laguna Niguel a better place.
Congressman Dana Rohrabacher presented Betty with a Certificate acknowledging her achievements. Senator Pat Bates presented Betty with a joint Resolution on behalf of the State Senate and Assembly. Orange County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Lisa Bartlett also presented Betty with a Resolution commending her efforts.
The Citizen of the Year award was established 26 years ago to recognize the extraordinary volunteer service of an individual that makes Laguna Niguel a better place for all of us to live and work. Laguna Niguel residents had the opportunity to submit nominations for this prestigious award.
Other nominees recognized at the dinner included Jan Henry, Marilyn Teitelbaum, David Tuma, Jessica Tuma, John Ulrich and Donice Walton. The selection committee is comprised of previous Citizen of the Year honorees.
