San Diego Pride Names `Volunteers of the Year' for 2007

San Diego Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Pride has recognized eight individuals as "volunteers of the year" for 2007, while bestowing honors to another volunteer who has worked with the organization for 19 years.

Nearly 700 volunteers supported San Diego Pride's 2007 celebration, which drew 150,000 participants and spectators to the parade and 40,000 visitors to the two-day festival. Additionally, yearlong projects were required for producing the annual event, resulting in myriad opportunities for individuals and groups to contribute their time, talents and resources.

"Everyday individuals make a difference and contribute to the LGBT equal rights movement in our community. These awards acknowledge the valuable and selfless contributions that volunteers make on behalf of San Diego Pride," says Ron deHarte, executive director of San Diego Pride.

Outstanding honorees recognized through San Diego Pride's Volunteer of the Year Award program are:

Steve Walden (parade)

Chuck Casteel (entertainment)

Karen Bucey (exhibitor relations)

Matthew Maguire (sign crew)

Susan Concha-Garcia (volunteer recruitment)

Ron Lieberman (event set-up)

Aaron Willard (ticket sales)

Paul Walker (event and office support)

Additionally, Dan Schaefer received special recognition for his volunteer services to Pride that have spanned over 19 consecutive years.

"Collectively, these individuals represent the hundreds of volunteers who signed up to support San Diego Pride in 2007. Without their many hours of support and dedication, the Pride celebration wouldn't be the success that it was," added deHarte.

San Diego LGBT Pride fosters pride in and respect for all LGBT communities, locally and globally. Since 1996 it has donated $1.2 million to various organizations within the LGBT community. The 2008 celebration, titled: "Live...Love...Be..." is schedule for July 18-20. For more information about San Diego Pride or to sign up for the Pride e-newsletter visit www.SanDiegoPride.org.