Foundation awards Golden Acorn

The prestigious Golden Acorn Award, presented by the Community Foundation for Oak Park, has been awarded to Cindi Gortner for her tireless efforts on behalf of the students in Oak Park schools.

"This was a difficult decision" said David Ross, Foundation president. "The Foundation received several nominations of community volunteers but it was imperative that we honor Cindi for all she has done for Oak Park."

Gortner, an 11-year resident, is the mother of three children and has an MBA from UCLA.

Among other duties, she's worked with the site council of Brookside Elementary School; the after-school support group, "Oak Park Schools Moving Forward;" the afterschool enrichment program at Brookside; and on several school-related fundraisers. She has also coached soccer.

In addition, Gortner has spent countless hours during the past year coordinating the newly

formed OPUSD Wellness Committee. The committee presented a school health forum, surveyed over 4,000 parents regarding nutrition preferences, and developed a new program of healthy meals and nutrition for the students in the Oak Park school district.

The Golden Acorn Award is presented by the Community Foundation for Oak Park to individuals who are dedicated to continuing, ongoing community service. Previous winners include Pat Manning, Ron Stark, the late Jack Monico, David Ross, Diane Starzak and Harvey Kern.

The award is not affiliated with The Acorn newspapers.

The Foundation is a nonprofit organization charged with overseeing a variety of Oak Park grants and organizations. Donations to the Foundation are tax deductible and may be sent to P.O. Box 291, Agoura, California 91376-0291.

More information is available at www.oakparkfoundation.org.