Photograph by Robert Scheer
Sunnyvale Community Services director Nancy Tivol won this year's ATHENA Award.
By KATHERINE PETERSEN
Nancy Tivol received the first ATHENA Award to recognize an outstanding woman, presented Sept. 21 at the 32nd annual Showcase Sunnyvale awards dinner.
Nominees for the ATHENA Award, sponsored by the Sunnyvale Chamber of Commerce, The Sun and Pearson Oldsmobile Pontiac GMC, were evaluated for demonstrating excellence, creativity and initiative in their profession, assisting women in reaching their leadership potential, contributing to the betterment of the Sunnyvale community and devoting time and energy to improve the quality of life for others.
"It was a very humbling experience," said Tivol, executive director of Sunnyvale Community Services. "In a way, it's ironic because part of the honor is for our accomplishments here, which happen because people need help. Our work wouldn't be possible without community support and volunteers."
Nineteen other businesses and individuals were honored at the event, held at the Sunnyvale Hilton Grand Ballroom.
Tivol is always available to share her insights and connections with those seeking jobs, volunteer opportunities or public office, said Grace Witt, a member of the board of directors for Sunnyvale Community Services.
"SCS staff and volunteers are extremely dedicated and loyal because Nancy leads by example. She encourages and promotes personal and professional development of staff and volunteers and inspires growth," Witt said.
Sunnyvale Community Services is an organization that has helped thousands of Sunnyvale residents fend off homelessness and hunger.
"Thanks to Nancy Tivol, SCS has met the challenge of skyrocketing local needs during a period of substantial reductions in funding from national sources," Witt said.
The awards dinner was capped off with a dessert extravaganza. Doors opened to reveal mousses, cheesecakes and other delicacies under dramatic lighting. After dinner, the more than 200 attendees--including the mayor, members of the City Council and representatives from Lockheed, AMD and Onizuka Air Station--danced to David Ladd and the All-Stars.
"It was an opportunity for the entire community to acknowledge the business contributions to the city and to recognize their business commitment to the community," said Suzi Blackman, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce.
"The evening was absolutely gorgeous. The sequins were sparkling. It was an evening where Sunnyvale shone," she said.
Showcase Sunnyvale Award Recipients
* Showcase Sunnyvale Founders Award: Raines Chevrolet
* Showcase Sunnyvale Pioneer Award: Town and Country Village and owner Ronald Williams
* Chamber of Commerce New Business of the Year: A-Link Network Services Inc.
* Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year: Bob Lawson, attorney
* Chamber of Commerce Medium Business of the Year: Sunnyvale Lumber
* Chamber of Commerce Large Business of the Year: Trimble Navigation Inc.
* Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year: Marilyn Crosby, owner of A La Carte Staffing Services
* Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year: John Kitching
* Executive Director's Award: Bill Sonnemaker
* Outstanding Service to Regional Business Community Award: Joint Venture: Silicon Valley
* Leadership Sunnyvale Alumni of the Year: Susan Twietmeyer, Class of 1995
* Sunnyvale Community Services Volunteer of the Year: Bill Rea
* Exemplary Partner in Education: Homestead High School with Noyce Foundation
* Exemplary Partner in Education: Fremont High School with National Semiconductor
* Sunnyvale Elementary School District Teacher of the Year: Gerrold Cook
* Fremont High School Teacher of the Year: Bob Duncanson
* Homestead High School Teacher of the Year: Roger Halstead
* Onizuka Air Station Enlisted Member of the Year: Senior Airman Brent Bitz
* Onizuka Air Station Officer of the Year: Capt. Kenneth Allison
This article appeared in the Sunnyvale Sun, October 9, 1996.
©1996 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.