Six women representing Fresno, Kings, Merced and Tulare counties have been selected as the 2008 honorees for the Common Threads Award, which recognizes women from the San Joaquin Valley for their agricultural, philanthropic and community service.
Common Threads is a collaborative effort of Ag Leadership, California State University, Fresno’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, and Fresno State’s Ag One Foundation.
The recipients have strong agricultural backgrounds and are active participants in their counties through philanthropic endeavors and community service. They are: Rose Marie Burroughs, Denair; Linda Glassman, Fresno; Marlene Miyasaki, Fowler; Isabel Avila, Lemoore; Teresa Evangelo, Hanford; and Irene Bly, Ivanhoe.
The honorees will be recognized at a special luncheon on April 18 at the University Dining Hall at Fresno State. An educational workshop on planned giving and philanthropy at 9 a.m. will begin day’s in the University Student Union. David O’Connor of Mill Valley, retired president of Merle Norman Cosmetics, will offer observations and insight about volunteer service and philanthropic giving.
The 12th annual Common Threads luncheon will begin at 11:15 a.m. and will feature award-winning Fresno State wines, a raffle and the Common Threads Award presentation. Tickets are $35 prior to April 4; $50 per person after the deadline. Space is limited. Net proceeds raised from the luncheon go to the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (Ag Leadership), Ag One Foundation and charities of the honorees’ choice. For ticket information or sponsorship opportunities, contact Amy Christensen Wolfe at Ag Leadership, 916.928.2249, or Christy Melvold at Ag One, 559.278.4266.
