Brookes H. Brown is the American Cancer Society's "Volunteer of the Year."
The California Division of the American Cancer Society named Brookes H. Brown of Saratoga its "Volunteer of the Year" during a 50th anniversary meeting in San Francisco last month. Brown was recognized for her for income-development programs for 1995-96.
The Cancer Society presents the award each year to the one volunteer in the state who has had the most success in raising money for cancer research, education and patient services in California.
Brown came to the Cancer Society as a volunteer on the Courage Kids Day committee five years ago. The next year, she chaired the committee and raised more than $50,000 to fund this event, which allows kids with cancer and their families to enjoy "a day off from cancer" on Mother's Day.
As president of the Santa Clara Unit in 1995, she spearheaded a one-of-a-kind event called the Grandview Gala, which brought in more than $100,000. Next, she formed and presided over the 100-member Grand View League, which hosted the first Cattle Baron's Ball on Sept. 28 and raised more than $400,000, over twice the goal the set.
The ball drew some 1,000 party-goers to the Hayes Mansion in San Jose. The highlight of the evening was a live auction, featuring a dinner for 12, valued at $1,600, at the Saratoga estate of Cancer Society supporter Dr. Donald Head. After a lively bidding war, Dan Lynch of CyberCash placed the final $30,000 bid.
David Bonfilio, chairman of the board of the American Cancer Society's California Division, said the Cattle Baron's Ball had become "the largest fund-raising event in California."
"At first, when I volunteered at the Cancer Society, I did it because my mother had died from the disease," Brown said. "And now, my father is fighting prostate cancer. I also do it for a dear friend who is waging a valiant battle against breast cancer."
Brown was one of three Santa Clara County volunteers honored. Gay Brown of Saratoga and Bob Rhodes of Los Altos were named honorary life members for the years each has dedicated to leading the fight to prevent, detect and find a cure for cancer.
This article appeared in the Saratoga News, October 23, 1996.
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