Gloria Sanchez receives Community Champion award

Menifee resident Gloria Sanchez has been selected a Community Champion by the California Parks & Recreation Society for her efforts to improve the quality of life for residents, the City of Menifee announced.

According to the news release, the Community Champion Award "honors and recognizes individuals and organizations who have contributed significant effort to influence and improve the quality of their community through parks and recreation."

Sanchez has volunteered nearly 100 hours in helping to organize and support the "Menifee Better Together" event. This event brings together numerous non-profits, local businesses, City staff, youth organizations, and schools to work with the Inland Valley Habitat for Humanity in beautifying homes for seniors who are in need of assistance with exterior house work. Sanchez also has planned and coordinated two Senior Health Fairs for the City of Menifee in the past two years.

Sanchez is the chairperson of the Riverside County Office on Aging. She works with Supervisor Marion Ashley's Office regarding issues facing seniors. She also serves as the chairperson of the Menifee Senior Advisory Council.

"Community involvement is critical for a healthy community," said Neil Winter, mayor of Menifee. "Gloria is a shining example of how great events and accomplishments come out of community engagement. We are proud to have Gloria as a Menifee resident, and are very excited to see her receive this well-deserved recognition."

Sanchez will formally accept the Community Champion Award March 16 at the CPRS Awards Banquet, to be held at the conclusion of a week-long conference in Long Beach.