WELL DONE—Pete Stong, above, and Marie Bennett, below, receive a proclamation from Mayor Fred Thomas during a recent council presentation recognizing volunteers for their invaluable contributions to the Simi Valley community. Photos by MICHELE WILLER-ALLRED/Acorn Newspapers
In a tremendous display of community spirit, 400 stars in Simi Valley dedicated 30,000 volunteer hours to local programs last year.
Marie Bennett and Pete Stong shone brightly among them, earning recognition from their peers who nominated them for top honors.
Stong was named the 2024 City Volunteer of the Year Award, while Bennett was honored as the 2024 Community Volunteer of the Year.
They were both recognized for their selfless dedication during the City Council’s April 15 meeting. It coincided with National Volunteer Week, established in 1974 to acknowledge the invaluable contributions volunteers bring to communities nationwide.
Candace Gray, the city’s acting management assistant, presented them with honorary resolutions.
The Community Volunteer of the Year award acknowledges the dedication and talents of a special volunteer.
Bennett, 94, was recognized for her “estimated 15,000 hours of selfless service in leadership positions over the past 20 years.”
Bennett was praised for her substantial contributions to the arts and her efforts in fostering collaboration among various sectors to enhance the quality of life for Simi Valley residents.
With 17 years of dedicated service on the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Foundation board, where she served as president three times, and active involvement in the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce leadership steering committee for 16 years, Bennett was commended for playing a pivotal role in mentoring others and promoting ethical standards.
“Bennett consistently serves with humility, passion, dedication and willingness to step up in any role needed at any time needed, exemplifying true volunteer spirit,” the city resolution stated.
Mayor Fred Thomas expressed his gratitude for Bennett’s “inspiring and tireless service to our community.”
“It is an absolute honor to present this to one of my most favorite people in the entire world,” Thomas said about Bennett. “Thank you for everything you’ve done and still will do. You’re amazing.”
Bennett said she started volunteering with the City of Hope when she was a resident of New York, and continued volunteering when she moved to Simi Valley in 1999.
“When you know you’ve done something to help someone else, there’s a sense of accomplishment there. It’s a very good feeling,” she said.
Each year, municipal employees from various departments are asked to nominate a dedicated individual to be selected as the city’s volunteer of the year.
The council’s resolution said Stong has stood out as having a great impact over the past year, donating his time and valuable input while serving on the Simi Valley Council on Aging, Neighborhood Council 2, and other city committees.
Stong, 76, has served on the Council on Aging executive board since 2018, “advocating for Simi Valley seniors to ensure their maximum independence, safety, security, health and quality of life,” the resolution said.
He has also been the co-chair of the annual Council on Aging Wellness Expo for six years “using his extensive leadership experience to bring together information, resources and health screenings for older adults in one convenient event.”
Stong was praised for his efforts in raising funds through events like expos and arts fairs to enhance the aesthetics of the Council on Aging center, creating a more welcoming environment for seniors.
“There are so many people that do a lot of great things, and I feel very fortunate to work with these people,” said Stong, who also thanked his family for their support.
“I’m very honored and humbled,” Stong said about the award.
Thomas said Stong is an exceptional individual whose selfless service to the city exemplifies the community’s spirit of giving back.
“We have an amazing staff here in the city and he is another example of how good they really are,” he said.
