Unforgettable Hearts Awards Gives a Luncheon to Remember

It was a full house at the Fox Theater in downtown Redlands on Friday, February 14th, for the third annual Unforgettable Hearts Awards Luncheon, where community leaders, and organizations from San Bernardino and Riverside Counties were recognized for their contributions to the community. The event was hosted by The Unforgettables Foundation(TUF), a non-profit organization celebrating its Crystal Anniversary, dedicated to providing financial and emotional support to families dealing with the loss of a child. Special speaker Assemblyman Mike Morrell touched on the importance of family, churches and charities, and the government as safety checks for families in crisis, but added that when it comes to generosity, the organizations that were present that day were the best he has known. "Nobody helps better than you in this room today, and nothing can compete with the human heart," he added, congratulating the honorees. Evans welcomed the community leaders and thanked them and TUF's own staff and volunteers for their service. "The human heart does best when appreciated," he said to a response of applause. "Act out, act up, and keep doing what you are doing." After Evans' welcome message, Mayor Sam Racadio of Highland opened the event with an invocation, and a young Abbey Umali, who has participated in the Unforgettable Hearts Award events the years prior, sang America the Beautiful. Master of Ceremonies Stan Morrison and Brenda Lorenzi recognized the honorees. The first set of awards presented were the Unforgettable Summer Austin Awards, the highest recognition that TUF presents. The award was named after Summer Austin, who tragically lost her life 17 years ago at the age of 20. Once her parents, John and Judy Austin, learned of TUF, they felt a tug on their heart strings to get involved. The Bobbit Funeral Home connected the Austins and TUF, and they have supported and been a part of TUF's work ever since. "Our biggest fear was that Summer would be forgotten," shared an emotional John Austin. "She loved kids. We know she would love that we're part of this organization." The recipients of the Unforgettable Summer Austin Awards included John and Judy Austin, Eileen Hards as volunteer of the year, and several community news publications including Margie Miller of City News Group, and the Redlands Daily Facts. Other Redlands area honorees included Security Bank, Shelli Stockton, Cathy Grinnan, Sarah and CJ Sillers, and Josiah Bruny. Margie Miller has supported TUF by providing fundraiser ideas for the organization and holding a fundraiser of her own where Miller, her husband Jim, and guests helped raise $5,500 for TUF. Shelli Stockton, born and raised in Redlands is involved in the boards of several organizations including the YMCA of the East Valley, Redlands Community Music Association, Redlands Community Foundation and more. Stockton was named Redlands' Woman of the Year in 2012. Cathy Grinnan was awarded for her efforts in assisting families who are dealing with congenital heart diseases by founding the Pediatric Heart Association two years ago. Over the years, Grinnan has worked closely with TUF, One Legacy, and the Loma Linda University Children's Hospital (LLUCH). Her passion for helping children in need was inspired by her own experiences. Three out of her eight children struggled with heart diseases. In 1985, she lost her son Brien to Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). Over 10 years later, her daughter survived a near-death scare at the age of just 11 days old, when she received a heart transplant. Her son Bill Jr. had stents placed in his heart there as well. Brother and sister duo Sarah & CJ Sillers own Brewcakes, a gastropub which opened in Redlands in 2011. They grew up in the area and feel a connection with the people that make up the community. They have both eagerly supported several local charities, including TUF, the Optimist Club of Redlands, and others. "We try to be involved with as many causes as we can, especially when it comes to food," CJ Sillers said. "A community that supports each other is much better off," he added. Josiah Bruny is CEO and founder of the organization Music Changing Lives in Redlands. His non-profit organization has been around since 2008, teaching kids music, art, silk screening, animation and recording. Their goal is to change kids' lives and reduce dropout rates. Security Bank, a community bank founded in 2005 by Inland Empire residents, has actively supported TUF, as well as other local organizations and non-profits in the community. Stan Morrison, retired college basketball coach, and Senior Vice President, Director of Sales Development at Security Bank served as a Master of Ceremonies at the event.