Keynote Speaker
Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack

Nine outstanding local leaders will be in the spotlight for a luncheon
Saturday, February 27 at 11 am. at the Heritage Palms Country Club in Indio. (Jefferson and Fred Waring)

“We’re set for an exciting election year and these Grassroots Awards recipients are testament to the commitment and strength of Republican leadership here in the Coachella Valley,” said Randy Morton, president of the Coachella Valley-Heritage Palms Congress of Republicans.  

The Grassroots Awards is held roughly every three years and the event celebrates exceptionally hard-working individuals selected by the nine Republican clubs of the Valley. “The 2010 recipients represent a broad array of talents and backgrounds,” said Morton. “But more importantly, their efforts reveal the passion and commitment for Republican ideals and principles.

Alphabetically, the recipients are:
Darlene Casella a freelance writer, former teacher, stockbroker and activist. She is past president of Rancho Mirage Republican Women, Federated and a delegate to the State of California Republican Women, Federated.
Rancho Mirage Republican Women, Federated
 
Johnny Hildreth has held several offices for, and currently is, the treasurer of Log Cabin Republicans in Palm Springs. He also serves as secretary to the Republican Organizing Committee of the Desert, known as “The ROC of the Desert.”
Log Cabin Republicans Palm Springs

Barbara Johnson has held the presidency of Desert Hot Springs Republican Women, Federated since 2005. She is credited with rejuvenating the 50-year-old DHS club and building membership to record levels. A retired drama and speech teacher, she is also known for her work for the Desert Theater League that oversees 105 productions Valley-wide annually.

Betty Kuntz is a retired RN who is being honored for co-founding the Heritage Palms Congress of Republicans and merging two organizations into the Coachella Valley-Heritage Palms Congress of Republicans. Kuntz is also active in Southwest Community Church.
Coachella Valley-Heritage Palms Congress of Republicans

Michael McCulloch A CPA, former Palm Springs councilmember and Human Rights Commissioner, board member of Lincoln Club of Palm Springs and Palm Springs Chamber; appointed by Gov. Schwarzenegger as member of Mount San Jacinto Winter Park Authority.
Lincoln Club of Palm Springs

Ray Martin is currently membership chairperson of the Sun City/Palm Desert Congress of Republicans. He is recognized as a tireless communications specialist who works locally and nationally on a number of endeavors to fight for better government.
Sun City/ Palm Desert Congress of Republicans

Jean Nelson is an energetic volunteer who has logged countless hours on local, state and national elections at Republican Headquarters and with the East Valley Republican Women, Federated. She is a long-term pillar of behind-the-scenes work for the party. 
East Valley Republican Women Federated

Elise Richmond is a conservative radio talk show host who has also been a front-liner for expanding voter registration. She was a strategic organizer of the 2007 National Republican Women’s Convention, is past president of Palm Springs Republican Women, Federated and has served on the Riverside County Republican Women, Federated Board as First Vice President.
Palm Springs Republican Women Federated

Michael Shepherd is President of the Lincoln Club of Coachella Valley and, as chairman of the Republican Organizing Committee (ROC), he has been instrumental in building voter registration and a strong cohesiveness amongst all nine Republican clubs. ROC was formerly called the Desert Coordinating Council of the Desert. 
Coachella Valley Lincoln Club

Reservations for the event are a must as a sell-out crowd is expected. The cost is $25. If you wish to attend, or to know more about Republican activities in the Valley, contact CV-HPCR Grassroots committee chairman, Bob Schneck at 760-772-3414.
You may also email him at majschneck@aol.com.
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