For his volunteer efforts, he was awarded an Asian-American Hero Award for leadership on Oct. 21 at the fifth annual Asian-American Heroes Awards Luncheon. County Supervisor Liz Kniss presented Tauchi with the award at Ming's Restaurant in Palo Alto in front of about 100 attendees.

"Today we celebrate individuals who are the foundation of our community and the spirit that encourages others to follow," Kniss said.

The award program was conceived in 2001 to recognize outstanding Asian-Americans for their commitment to community-based, grassroots organizations and civic leadership in Santa Clara County. Awards were presented in five categories: leadership, health and human services, arts, education, and a team award presented to a family.

"It was a real honor to receive the award," Tauchi said. "I was surprised to be nominated. I did not expect it at all."

Some of Tauchi's volunteer work includes serving as president of the Saratoga Sister City Organization, organizing and participating in a host of activities for the Saratoga Rotary Club, being a longtime volunteer at Hakone Gardens, and holding leadership roles in the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce.

The Saratoga City Council recommended Tauchi for the Asian-American Heroes Awards. "John Tauchi is the kind of person who gives an enormous amount to his community--both from his professional life and his volunteer work," Councilwoman Ann Waltonsmith said. "A city thrives if it has a strong group of volunteers. John exemplifies that."

Last year, Tauchi organized a trip to Saratoga's sister city, Muko, Japan, for the 20th anniversary of the Saratoga Sister City Organization. More than 60 delegates from the local community traveled to Muko, including then-mayor Waltonsmith.

"He's always put his shoulder to the wheel and worked hard," Waltonsmith said. "What impressed us was the longevity of it. He's just worked and worked."

Tauchi came to the United States from Japan when he was 19 years old. He attended high school in Los Angeles for one year, then went to a city college before transferring to UCLA, where he studied statistics and accounting. He worked 28 years for IBM, with two overseas assignments to Japan.

After returning from his first overseas assignment, he bought a home in Saratoga. "I liked this place very much," he said. "It's country living. We have many friends here."

Tauchi and his wife, Aiko, have three children: Pamela, 43; Byron, 42; and Teresa, 40.

Tauchi plans to continue volunteering in the community. "It's certainly a pleasure to get involved and meet new people and contribute to the community," he said.