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Sandy Journal

Molina Healthcare Recognizes Volunteers With Champions Award

Jun 26, 2015 11:21AM ● By Lewi Lewis

Left to right: Sinai Pauni, Tyler Stockstill, Jackie Rendo, Dr. Hal Gooch (president of Molina Healthcare of Utah), Kevin Mathena, Marci Steed, Sister Mary Ann Pajakowski and Lilia Garcia. Photo courtesy of Molina Healthcare

Every year, Molina Healthcare celebrates and recognizes the good deeds of local residents whose service and volunteerism positively impacts the communities in which they live.

The Community Awards is a program that started in 2006 in honor of Dr. C. David Molina, founder of Molina Healthcare. 

Local organizations complete and submit a one-page nomination form, nominating someone who they think has gone above and beyond as a resident volunteer and is deserving of the Champions Award. 

“There were over 40 nominations this year,” said Adam Grimaldo, manager of community engagement for Molina Healthcare of Utah. 

Out of that 40, seven were chosen.

“The seven individuals that were selected as this year’s community champions are individuals that went above and beyond the call of duty. Our selection committee was extremely impressed by the work these folks have done. They are truly community heroes and their volunteer work has influenced the lives of countless community members. Each of our community champions is dedicated to the betterment of the community and their efforts are admirable,” Grimaldo said.

The winners of the award each receive a $1000 grant, which usually is paid forward to a non-profit organization of their choice.

This year’s winners are:

Sinai Puani - Ballet West, the I CAN DO program
Sister Mary Ann - Holy Cross Ministries
Lilia Garcia - Communities United
Jackie Rendo - NAMI
Marci Steed - Salt Lake Community Action Program
Tyler Stockstill - Utah Development Academy
Kevin Mathena - Salt Lake Valley Habitat for Humanity