Compiled by Kelly Ryan
San Clemente-based Pencilbox Studios won several awards for work it did for client Little Company of Mary Community Health Foundation, which runs hospitals in San Pedro and Torrance. Pencilbox received two Gold, one Silver and three Honorable Mentions at the Healthcare Public Relations and Marketing Association Golden Advocate Awards Ceremony.
Pageant of the Masters directors Don Williamson, Glen Eytchison and Diane Challis Davey were honored at the annual membership luncheon of the Festival of Arts. The directors were honored for their combined 45 years directing the pageant. Each received an Orrefors crystal award etched by festival artist Jude Taylor.
Irvine-based sandal maker Sanuk received an award for Innovation of the Year. Trade publication Apparel Magazine recognized Sanuk for its Sidewalk Surfers.
Mary Olsen Kelly was recognized as a Yoplait Champion by Yoplait USA Inc. Kelly wrote “Best Tools and Tips from the Trenches of Breast Cancer,” a survival handbook for women battling breast cancer. She is a breast cancer survivor and co-owner of The Black Pearl Gallery chain of jewelry stores on Balboa Island and Hawaii.
Jennifer Anderson was given the 2008 Komen Outstanding Breast Health Advocate Award. Anderson is the Breast Cancer Coordinator at Mission Hospital. The Susan G. Komen for the Cure OC affiliate gives the award to people who are not breast cancer survivors but are dedicated to raising awareness of breast health.
Dawn Usher was named HR Executive of the Year by the Orange County chapter of the National Human Resources Association. Usher is senior vice president and chief administrative officer of Silverado Senior Living in San Juan Capistrano. The award recognizes innovation in human resources, leadership and strategic impact.
The OC chapter of the National Human Resources Association also recognized Barbara Nieto with its Customer-Focused Leadership Award. Nieto is vice president of human resources at Irvine-based HireRight Inc. She was also a finalist for HR Executive of the Year.
Anaheim-based Comscape received the Commercial DirecTV Dealer of the Year award. The award recognizes the top commercial dealer in the U.S. based on the number of new customers.
State Sen. Lou Correa, a Democrat from Santa Ana, was recognized by the California Veterans of Foreign Wars for his legislative service to veterans.
DCH Tustin Acura earned Acura’s Precision Team Dealership of Distinction Award for 2007. It is the fifth year Tustin Acura has earned the automaker’s highest dealership honor. The dealership also is a five-time recipient of the Dealer of Excellence Award from J.D. Power and Associates.
Navid Rastin was honored at the 2008 Youth of the Year event for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Orange County. Rastin attends Capistrano Valley High School and is a 10-year member of the Boys & Girls Club. Fifty kids were honored from the 16 clubs throughout the county. The event was sponsored by OC United Way, the Orange County Register and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
Habitat for Humanity of Orange County received the 2008 Good Neighbor Award from Neighborhood Housing Services in Anaheim. The group was recognized for its efforts to provide affordable homes in San Juan Capistrano, Anaheim, Fullerton and Santa Ana.
Jay Marcus received the 2008 National Sales Achievement Award from the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance. Marcus works for Cuna Mutual Group in Irvine.
Yorba Linda’s Black Gold Golf Club was named KemperSports’ 2007 Retailer of the Year. The club was honored for its sales, merchandising, customer service and staff development. Black Gold’s clubhouse has a restaurant, corporate meeting room and banquet facilities.
Several artists received awards from Newport Beach Mayor Ed Selich for work presented at this year’s OC Artist Juried Exhibition. Bill Denham won first place. Narek Bagdagulyan took second. Third place went to Wendell Stanley. Barbara Ruffini received honorable mention.
