Community Advocates to be Honored for Change They Have Inspired

On Sept. 11 the San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation, Inc., will recognize five outstanding community advocates who have inspired and made change in their communities at the organization's 26th annual Black Rose & Humanitarian of the Year Community Service Award banquet. The banquet will take place at 6 p.m. at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino. The 2015 Humanitarian of the Year is Kim Evette Anthony. With much of her work on a pro bono basis, Anthony has provided countless number of volunteer hours providing services to nonprofit and communitybased organizations including Stop the Violence Foundation and the establishment of the Regional Violence Prevention Coalition. She volunteered with the Red Cross in Houston, serving and supporting displaced Hurricane Katrina survivors. A product of the foster care system, Anthony spent 14 months during her reign as Ms. California, delivering motivational speaking and raising funds and awareness for the plight of foster children and at-risk youth. David Clerk will be honored with the Commitment to Community Service award. Retired from the military, Clerk volunteers his time at March Air Force Base, assisting retirees with their retirement and other benefits. He also assists the families of the deceased, making sure they get the paperwork needed for proper burial. In addition, he mentors students at San Gorgonio High School as well as the youth and young adults at his church. He transports church members and neighbors to doctor appointments and the grocery stores and is involved in the food and toy outreach for the citizens on San Beranrdino's west side. Clerk ministers to the residences of Highland Palms Residential Living and when the senior citizens ask for special food and clothing, he purchases them with his own funds. The Foundation has also named three winners of its Black Rose award: San Bernardino City Unified School District Police Chief Joseph Paulino, the Chino Fire Foundation and San Bernardino City Police officer Marcus Pesquera. In his position as chief of police for the SBCUSD, Paulino oversees the safety of over 50,000 students each day and has implemented an explorer program for the middle and high school students in the district. He still finds time to provide service to his community. He is a member of 100 Black Men of the Inland Empire and recently, he hosted a Searching of Mentors Summit at California State University, San Bernardino. Paulino volunteers his time with the annual Christmas toy giveaway, safety fairs, and positive tickets program. The Chino Fire Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the safety and welfare of the public through educational programs, direct assistance, and financial support of charitable organizations, victims of tragic events and injured firefighters. Their Adopt a Family program makes funds available to families that have suffered personal tragedy such as an un-expected death or a fire-related loss. San Bernardino City Police officer Pesquera was in training when early one morning, he and his fellow officer, Gabe Garcia, approached a group of individuals who appeared to have suspicious behavior. Officer Pesquera's quick thinking saved the lives of both himself and Garcia, who was unfortunately critically wounded in the subsequent shootout. Pesquera volunteers in his community at the firing range and his skills enabled him to protect the citizens of San Bernardino. To purchase event tickets, visit http://www.sbbcfoundation.com.