By Chris Murphy
Modesto is fortunate to have an amazing network of volunteers and people that give of themselves to make our city better. Every year American GI Forum celebrates these accomplishments and hosts an annual “Citizen of the Year” award. Also celebrated is a Veteran of the Year and a Volunteer of the Year.
On January 11, the GI Forum will present the 2024 Citizen Award to Lou Friedman. If you have ever volunteered or served on a non-profit, you will have worked with Lou. Lou came to Modesto as the CFO of the Gallo Winery over 50 years ago. He has since retired and is now a partner at Gianelli Law Firm. He is very involved assisting local non-profits to be well-run and he and his wife, Kenni, are avid volunteers for many local organizations. They give their time, effort, treasure and guidance freely and are a huge asset to the Modesto community.
Garrard Marsh is being honored as the Veteran of the Year. Garrard is a long time Modestan and his family has been part of the fabric for decades. Garrard was the Mayor of Modesto from 2012 – 2016 and his family owns the McHenry Bowl, frequently donating space for local projects. He is a Navy Veteran, having served during and after the Vietnam War aboard nuclear submarines. He is a member of Modesto Rotary, and the American Legion and is a lifetime member of the VFW. He and his wife Dallas support many local organizations and volunteer regularly.
Christina Kenny has been instrumental in the success of the Modesto CHAT teams. This is an innovative new program to really get at finding solutions to homelessness and the conditions that create it and interfacing between residents and local agencies. CHAT also connects with the Modesto Police Department and Christina is well respected by the City of Modesto and Modesto PD. She is really making a difference here in Modesto.
The annual event is a dinner and awards ceremony on January 11 and the Veterans Hall at 3500 Coffee Rd. Table sponsorships for $300 and individual tickets at $32 are available. You can also sponsor and donate a table to a needy group of Vets so they can celebrate these wonderful people. Event starts at 5:30 and ceremony is at 6 pm.
As a former recipient of the Citizen of the Year in 2019, I urge you support this event and connect with our community and I am humbled and honored to be recognizing these deserving inductees.
You can register online at Pay.modestopost74.org/citizenof2024
