Senior citizens honored for their contributions to the community

Senior citizens who inspire others through their volunteerism and contributions to the community were honored at the 26th annual Senior Inspiration Awards.

Over 600 people attended the luncheon at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort in Palm Desert. 11 seniors from the Coachella Valley were honored along with two more from Riverside County.

Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez was on hand to help give out awards.

“They’re giving back to their community and I think it’s important that we recognize those efforts, cause quite frankly, no one can do it alone and the more volunteers we have I think the better.”

The honorees included Joe Fleischman and Juanita Linares of Riverside County, Bill Kelly of Cathedral City, Grace Vega of Coachella, Rosemary Stonick of Desert Hot Springs, Patsy “Pat” Manhart of Rancho Mirage, Nellie Ortega of Indio, Margaret “Peggy Bernthal of Indian Wells, Nellie Ortega of Indio, Patricia “Pat” Clapp of La Quinta, Jacqueline “Jackie” Wagner of Palm Desert, and Kenneth “Ken” Behrens of Palm Springs.

CBS Local 2’s evening co-anchor Brooke Beare and Chief Meteorologist Patrick Evans served as the emcees for this year’s event.