May 10, 2010 --Local volunteers were recognized for their commitment to the community on Saturday during the Santa Monica Festival at Clover Park. The individuals were recipients of the Santa Monica Human Relations Council's Community Heroes awards, which were being distributed for the second year.

Among the recipients was Kathy Knight, former president of Friends of Sunset Park. She was recognized for her commitment to neighborhood activism and for her 17 years of volunteer efforts to preserve the Ballona Wetlands. Also recognized wasJeanne Laurie. She has dedicated much of her free time to the Westside Food Bank by running booths at community events, writing a handbook, drafting

successful grant applications and coming up with many creative ideas for increasing food donations.

Other award recipients included Santa Monica College Director of Contract Services Charlie Yen, Ann Buck of the CLARE Foundation; the volunteers from Our House, a grief support center; Joan Colman and Colleen Hughes from the Santa Monica Police Activities League and Betty Darling of Meals on Wheels West.

The recipients were chosen by a committee of the Santa Monica Human Relations Council based on nominations from local nonprofits.