The Board of Directors of the Ventura Police Community Foundation is pleased to announce the 2019 Heroes Among Us Award Recipients: Ken Sharp, Art Pillado, Jackie Pearce, Jim Duran, Alex Wulff and Sal Flores. These community heroes have displayed selflessness, dedication and compassion, making a positive impact in Ventura and beyond.
Jackie Pearce is the Westside Community Development Corporation Director. She has tirelessly worked to improve the quality of life for all in Ventura especially on the Westside. She is the co-creator of the global non-profit Laundry Love. It is a neighboring movement that partners with individuals, groups and laundromats to care for the vulnerable and marginalized throughout the US. She has committed her life to making a difference in our community. She is also the co-creator of two Westside school gardens and a driving force behind the Westside’s newest and first ever community driven Kellogg Park.
Jim Duran is the Executive Director of The City Center Transitional Living and the Manager of Tender Life Maternity Home. He is also the Lead Pastor of the River Community Church. He has a passion for our community and has dedicated his life to helping others. He serves as the co-ministerial Chair for the National Alliance on Mental Illness Walk and serves on many other committees and task forces.
Alex Wulff is a middle school teacher at De Anza Academy of Technology and the Arts. He created the STEMbassadors program with a founding group of 8 students. The program aims to change the way schools integrate manufacturing technologies like 3D printers and laser engravers in all curricular areas. With his enthusiasm, volunteer spirit and leadership he will tell you that it is the students who have made the program successful and that student led learning is the future of education. His passion and vision bring value and inspiration to our local students.
Sal Flores owns Ideal Upholstery. He has dedicated his life to giving back to local youth especially at-risk youth on the Westside of Ventura. He mentors local youth at the Westpark Fitness Center. Sal knows firsthand what it’s like to be a troubled teen. He turned his life around and has spent his adult life making a difference in our community. He is passionate about working with community members on the Youth Committee to raise funds for youth programs and events.
Ken Sharp is a WWII Veteran, Retired Ventura City Assistant Fire Chief and past Kiwanis Club President. He established the Civil Defense Program for Ventura City. He has dedicated his life to serving our community.
Art Pillado has been committed to youth sports in our community helping to improve the lives of local youth. He provides opportunities for at risk youth and those that don’t have the means to pay for the expenses that come with youth sports. He provides an environment for kids to learn how to be a part of something bigger than themselves.
The community heroes will be recognized at the second annual Heroes Among Us Gala presented by the Trade Desk and Players Casino. The event will take place on November 2, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach Hotel. The evening will include a silent auction, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres reception followed by dinner, ceremony and dancing. Tickets and event information can be found at www.venturapolicefoundation.org or by calling 805-339-4317.
Heroes were selected through a nomination process. Heroes are community members who have done extraordinary things to make Ventura a better place! Join us as we recognize those who are making a lasting impact in our community.
The mission of the Ventura Police Community Foundation is to foster and support programs and initiatives that strengthen a safe community and enhance the quality of life in Ventura.
