‘Heroes in Health Care’ honored

The Palm Drive Health Care Foundation will present its 2011 Heroes in Health Care and Wellness awards May 22. The awards honor individuals and groups in West Sonoma County who have made significant contributions to wellness and health care in the broader community.

This year’s honorees are:

Heroes under 18: The Ceres Community Project brings teens into the kitchen to learn about growing, preparing and eating healthy food. The young chefs then provide nutritious meals to local individuals and families who are dealing with life-threatening illnesses.

Heroes in the Health Care Field: Mary Maki-Rich, R.N., is an emergency room nurse at Palm Drive Hospital who dedicates herself to her patients and to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Heroes in the Community: The Volunteer Driver Transportation Program of Sebastopol Area Senior Center provides free rides to seniors so they can get to their health care appointments.

The ceremony will begin at 3 p.m. at the Sebastopol Veterans Memorial Hall. The event will include appetizers, live entertainment, and information booths about local health and wellness programs.

The Palm Drive Health Care Foundation is a nonprofit organization that works to improve health care in Sebastopol and Western Sonoma County by supporting programs and facilities that care for local residents.

Heroes in Health Care Awards

Sunday, May 22, 3 p.m.

Sebastopol Veterans Memorial Hall, 282 South High Street,  Sebastopol

Tickets: $15, $5 child, $35 family. Tickets can be purchased from the Foundation office at 823-8312.