2014 Volunteer Award Recipients
Sascha Bensinger, Hall of Fame Award
Honoring a volunteer whose efforts exhibit, by action and deed over an extended period of time, exceptional service and dedication to the Center, its clients and its causes, and who has left a permanent mark in its history.
Melissa McNair, Frances Wender Kandel Volunteer of the Year Award
Honoring a volunteer who has shown a dedication to community service, the Center and its clients, in the tradition of the award’s namesake, Frances Wender Kandel, a volunteer lawyer who, before her untimely death, helped start the Center and was one of its biggest cheerleaders and active participants.
Emily Cuatto, Pro Bono Volunteer of the Year Award
Honoring a volunteer lawyer who has provided substantial and extraordinary service in a case or cases, or in a subject matter, providing relief to a client or clients who without the assistance, would have been irreparably injured.
Patrick (“Pat”) Lynch, New Volunteer of the Year Award
Honoring an individual who has joined the Center as a volunteer within the last 12 months, and has shown spirit, energy and commitment to serving as a role model for other new participants.
Thomas Haraikawa, Distinguished Service Award
Honoring a volunteer whose contribution in the past year has exceeded expectations, and benefitted clients as well as the needs of the Center.
Lillian Chin, Administrative Volunteer of the Year Award
Honoring a volunteer who has carried out behind-the-scenes activities, which have substantially contributed to enhancing the Center’s infrastructure, and who has sought no recognition or reward other than the knowledge that the Center’s interests have been advanced.
Mercy Fresno, Emeritus Award
Honoring an individual who has provided exceptional assistance and dedication to the Center, its clients and its causes, who is also a member of the California State Bar Pro Bono Practice Program, which requires that, during the applicable year, the attorney only practice law on a volunteer basis with a qualified legal service provider.
Longevity Awards
Honoring volunteers who have dedicated ten, fifteen, or more years of continuous service to the Center.
10 Years of Service Award Recipients:
Johnna Boylan
James McCullaugh
Sydney Mehringer
15 Years of Service Award Recipients:
Marcia Kislinger
Fahi Takesh
Laurie Taylor
25 Years of Service Award Recipient:
Linda Gross