Nominees Sought for Volunteerism Award

Nominees are being sought for the Fernando Award, which annually honors the Valley’s most dedicated volunteer.

“We look for people who have a lifetime commitment to volunteerism in the Valley,” said Fausto Capobianco, a spokesman for Fernando Award Foundation Inc. “It doesn’t have to be a high-profile person or wealthy individual. It can be anybody who has made a genuine mark.”

The names of the five finalists will be announced at a luncheon Aug. 26 at the Sheraton Universal Hotel in Universal City; the 1999 winner will receive the award at a dinner Nov. 5 at the Warner Center Marriott in Woodland Hills.

The honoree receives a bronze statuette of Fernando, represented as a young Native American, and has his or her name inscribed on a statue at the Van Nuys Civic Center and on an obelisk at Warner Park in Woodland Hills.

The nominations are submitted to a 13-member selection committee, which will review applications and choose the finalists.

The winner is selected in a secret vote of Fernando Award Foundation patrons and benefactors.

Since 1958, the organization has honored residents and business people committed to community service and civic achievement. Last year’s recipient was Walter W. Mosher Jr. of West Hills, president of Precision Dynamics Corp. in San Fernando.

The deadline for applying is July 1.

For more information on making a nomination, call Lena Abushaar at (213) 745-3904.