SUPERMAN
A graduate of Coquitlam's Centennial secondary won the Christopher Reeve Award earlier this year for his contributions to people with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities.
James Sanders was honoured with the accolade named after Superman at the Canadian Paraplegic Association's annual fundraising gala.
Sanders, who has been a quadriplegic since 1990 from a spinal cord injury, is an actor, writer, producer and artistic director. Sanders, who also founded Realwheels, a theatre company, delivered the keynote speech at the Edmonton gala that raised more than $100,000.
Past recipients of the national award include Paralympian Chantal Petitclerc, former Vancouver mayor Sam Sullivan and Man in Motion Rick Hansen.
KICKIN'
A soccerfest in Coquitlam last month to raise money for children's cancer research kicked in more than $80,000, said organizer Gloria Cuccione, founder of Making a Difference.
Proceeds from the fourth annual Kick For A Cure, which was sponsored in part by The Tri-City News and held at Coquitlam Town Centre Park on July 23, will go to the Michael Cuccione Foundation that funds two labs at BC Children's Hospital and to the Whitecaps Foundation that aims to get kids more physically fit.
GOOD GIG
The Coquitlam Foundation has a new executive director.
Dale Clarke, a longtime Coquitlam resident with more than 25 years in business and special events experience, was named to the top job this week.
She replaces Laurel Lawson, who stepped down for health reasons. "We will miss Laurel's many talents and dedication and we are very sorry to see her leave," said board chair Colleen Talbot, in a news release. "However, we are extremely pleased to be able to welcome Dale to the foundation. She brings a wealth of experience and a proven record of success in both the private and non-profit sectors."
The Coquitlam Foundation manages a $1.85-million endowment fund; in May, it handed out $55,000 in grants, scholarships and bursaries.
SILVER LINING
The Vancouver Regional Construction Association last month awarded silver awards of excellence to the builders of two Tri-City projects.
Task Construction Management Inc. and Whitewater Concrete Ltd. were recognized for their work on the refurbished Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex in Coquitlam while LMS Steel Reinforcing Group was honoured for its work on the new Coast Meridian Overpass in Port Coquitlam.
The prizes were handed out during the VRCA's 23rd annual Awards of Excellence gala.
Please send Spotlight press releases and photos to [email protected].
