Unsung Hero George Borg is our Unsung Hero!

2005 Redwood City Interclub Service Unsung Hero Award Saturday, October 22, 2005 was a day of honor for Woodside Terrace A.M. Kiwanis member, George Borg. He was given the 2005 Unsung Hero Award by the Redwood City Interclub Service, which consists of several different service clubs within Redwood City, founded by lifetime Kiwanian member, Geri Mayers. Unsung Heros Dick Arimoto Carl Barbieri George Borg Walt Butler Maureen Fish Glenn Lew Geri Mayers Al Quebec Harry Tong Phil Wang Walter Woodruff

Over 125 service members from Redwood City clubs such as The Women’s Club, PAL, Sons of Italy, Rotary, Lyons, and local dignitaries gathered at the Red Morton Veterans Senior Center in Redwood City for a prideful day of commemoration.

Mayor Jeff Ira, Vice Mayor Barbara Pierce, Redwood City Police Chief Carlos Bolanos, City Councilman, Ian Bain, and other city officials served a wonderful lunch to all of the award recipients and their supporters. George had many Kiwanian members there to cheer for him, such as Donna Vaillancourt, Larry Graves, Lynne Mercer, Bill Lowell and Richard Davis, Mel and Nita Cohn, and me Jan, (the one who kept this a secret for a record amount of 2 weeks).

The following are excerpts from the application letter submitted by the WTAM Board of Directors who voted for George to receive this well-deserved award.  Some of the certificates George received were from The Redwood City Council, The San Mateo County Supervisors, as well as State Officials, Jackie Speier and Joe Simitian.  George has been my unsung hero for over 31 years, and is now officially recognized by the community that he continues to serve with open arms, and a giving heart.

by Jan Borg

Unsung Hero Application excerpts.....

"Always arriving early to help with meeting set up; many times making volumes of his “famous” coffee for his club members and community for early morning events; serving on several club committees, (chairing many, and pioneering some); serving on the board, serving in office, attending interclubs, attending Kiwanis conferences, bringing in many new club members; always congenial and willing to show up with a big smile;.....”

"He was the mastermind in obtaining the club’s infamous Hot Dog Cart and Popcorn machine which are literally icons at every Kiwanis event. George is always willing to be there as hot dog maker as well as “hot dog “barker” to lure in the public.  He made a reality of a dream to put on a huge car show in Redwood City to raise funds, and after 2 years it has been a great success, bringing in not only money for the community, but a big member turn out."

“George is always willing to donate his time and his non-profit agency to help his community, whether for a place to hold Kiwanis committee meetings, or to offer the parking lot for the annual rummage sale. El Centro de Libertad was also an idea that he not only dreamed about in 1994, but also through lots of determination and hard work, created a reputable, (5 building-3 cities) drug and alcohol treatment center to serve the needs of our community. In the past 20 years, he has earned the greatest respect from his family, friends and community.  Being able to continue to grow through even the roughest of times, and then being able to share his successes by giving it back to his family, friends and community. He treats everyone he meets with the same warmth and respect.”

“No job is too big or too small for him to tackle with the same amount of enthusiasm. He not only talks the talk of service, and dedication, he walks the walk in all aspects of his life, always there to help his private family and his public family.  He is truly an Unsung Hero.”