NEIGHBORHOOD GROUPS RECOGNIZED

Silicon Valley Community Foundation awarded the Burbank Community Association, River Oaks Neighborhood Association and Willow Glen Neighborhood Association with the Elizabeth Anabo Building Resourceful Inspirational Creative Community Awards, or BRICC Awards, for their outstanding contributions to their community in Santa Clara County.

The BRICC awards commemorate the late Elizabeth Anabo, who was a senior program officer at Community Foundation Silicon Valley, a parent organization of the new community foundation. The award recognizes a group’s ability to mobilize broad citizen participation, address significant issues in their community and make creative use of available resources. It also recognizes local groups that provide opportunities for neighbors to take greater control and responsibility for activities in their community and inspire neighbors and others to take action.

The 2007 awards were unusual because the selection committee felt there were many strong contenders and therefore chose three neighborhoods to honor:

Burbank Community Association – Formed as a community sponsor for all residents, started hosting National Night Out in an effort to introduce individuals and neighborhood organizations to each other.  This year’s event served over 400 people and provided a safe and casual environment for residents to meet with Sherriff’s Deputies, learn about available resources from Catholic Charities, the local YMCA and Western Career College, and enjoy a movie with other residents.

River Oaks Neighborhood Association – Represents concerns of the community and directs them to the City of San José.  The group’s demands for better planning lead directly to the creation of the North San José Taskforce. The task force meetings have resulted in preliminary plans for schools, parks, libraries and retail that did not exist previously. The neighborhood now has a stake in the decision-making process and a forum where resident’s concerns can be addressed.

Willow Glen Neighborhood Association – The association’s History Subcommittee updated and enhanced the Walking Tour of Historic Willow Glen book.  The revised, 140-page book highlights the charms of Willow Glen intended to create a sense of community and an appreciation for the historic value of the homes in the neighborhood. The updated book was available for sale at the Willow Glen Founders’ Day event in September and is now available in local bookstores.

“These groups truly understand the power of civic participation to meet the immediate needs of their community while building long-term relationships,” said Eleanor Clement Glass, chief of donor engagement and giving, Silicon Valley Community Foundation. “We are pleased that these awards will empower each group to continue serving their community.  Elizabeth Anabo was extremely dedicated to and passionate about neighborhood groups and made tremendous contributions to them over the four years she worked at the community foundation.”

Self-nominated entries are reviewed by a panel of community representatives, including past award recipients. Recipients of the BRICC awards are given an actual brick with a commemorative plaque and $1,000. 

Eleanor Clement Glass, chief of donor engagement and giving at Silicon Valley Community Foundation, presented the awards at the 2007 United Neighborhoods Fall Conference on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2007 at San José City College.