(KNX 1070) - KNX honored heroes across Southern California in its annual Helpful Honda Heroes luncheon Friday.
Honorees, guests, and the KNX staff streamed into the Sheraton Universal Hotel and stunning Starview Ballroom on the 21st floor.
Kicking off the cocktail reception and luncheon was the powerful, all-female Jennifer York quartet.
CLICK HERE TO SEE PHOTOS FROM THE LUNCHEON
The heroes were handed their awards and even given a grand salute from Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.
The luncheon celebrated the work of those who: Raise money for much-needed causes, those who crochet toys for babies in neonatal intensive care units, help the environment, inspire senior citizens, create opportunities for disabled artists, feeding the homeless, supporting LGBTQ students, rescuing our four four-legged friends, to a 7-year-old girl who raised money for kids needing cleft palate surgery.
1/4-Stu Kaiser, mentor of the year/Optimist Youth Homes & Family Services
1/11-Bibiana & Tindi Mashamba-albino orphan sisters from Tanzania
1/18-Steph Sklar-Mulcahy-fitness & fundraising through Cycle
1/25-Neil Finch & Barron Gonzales-So Cal Edison new safety light pole idea
2/1-Heather Dodge-"Healing through Art" program at UCLA-Santa Monica med center
2/8-Dr. Marvin Pantangco-providing free dental exam in exchange for food bank donation
2/15-Loren Zitomersky-running the Boston Marathon backward for Epilepsy awareness
2/22-Shawn & Angie Willson-heart attack survivor/support group leaders
3/8-Dr. Karen Martin-biologist, studies grunion, created grunion greeter program, habitat
3/15-Pink Lady Jackie Goldberg-advocate for vets, boomers, seniors. Live a full life!
3/22-Annie Brunson Rigor-non profit to help parents with sick kids in a hospital.
3/29-Nic Novicki-actor/founder Easterseals Disability Film Challenge.
4/5-Roger Owens-Dodgers peanut man marking 60 years as a vendor/goodwill ambassador.
4/12-Jeff Katz-owner of Kona Ice truck provides free shaved ice for tax day.
4/19-Robin Greenberg-realtor, founded CARE project, feed, help homeless.
4/26-Diane Sherry Case-writing coach at homeless centers/juvenile hall.
5/3- Tony Brown-Ceo Heart of Los Angeles, a free after-school program for kids/new building.
5/10-Randall Telfer-NFL player, Walter Payton award, gives $50,000 to JDRF Los Angeles chapter.
5/17-Maj.Tyrone Vargas & 4 others-UCLA ROTC rescued man trapped in a car under a truck.
5/24-Pastor Eric Denton-Jackets for Jesus, feed homeless.
5/31-Prof Hasmik Arakelyan-safe space for LGBTQ students at L.A. Valley College
6/7-Abby Diamond-crochet octopuses for premature infants.
6/14-Aleksander & Madison Rude-sleeping bags for veterans and with an anti-gun magazine petition.
6/21-Jasmine Berganza-raised money for friend seriously injured in a car crash.
6/28- Aimee Rosales/Joshua Goodwin-captured runaway, scared pit bull.
7/5- (deceased) Dr.Tracy McFarland-veterinarian/cat ambassador/Forgotten Angels rescue.
7/12- Emilia Peters/Natalie Hampton-prestigious award for projects helping others.
7/19- Kevin & Diane Delson-Operation Ride for the Red cycling event.
7/26- Yolanda Gonzales-art therapy at hospitals.
8/2- Ken Bauer-retiree and super volunteer.
8/9- Doug Dunlap-retiree-plays piano at SCV senior center.
8/16- Catherine Meek-School on Wheels first volunteer, now executive director.
8/23- Sandra Harrison-Kitten Rescue advocate, volunteer, foster mom.
8/30- Andy Lipkis-founder of Tree People.
9/6- Chino Police Officer Shauna Evans-Hill-helped homeless women move.
9/13- Evelyn Calip-founded BFF Breast Friends Forever support group/5k run/walk.
9/20- Yuri Williams-50 states Blessing tour.
9/27- Alan Pinel-Burrito Project in S. Pasadena/Lincoln Heights. Feeds homeless.
10/4- Dean O'Malley-donated a kidney after hearing a radio interview.
10/11- Ellen Shane-foundation to help kids with learning issues.
10/18- Coach Albert Turner-LA Harbor College, mentor for basketball girls.
11/1- Sonya Adams-provides amazing experiences for cancer survivors.
11/8- Herb Rosenzweig-raises money for Veterans' food pantry in La Verne.
11/15- Julie Hudash-non-profit empowers children through service.
11/22- Jamie Woolner-rescued grandparents from Woolsey fire.
11/29- Maggie Escobar-19 years organizing a successful toy drive for sick kids.
12/6- Bill Rogers-heads a team of woodworkers who make toys for kids.
12/13- Stanley (blood donor greyhound) and owner Richard Capiola.
12/20- Norma Jean Lingard-provided Christmas gifts and food for a needy family.
12/27- Dreda Slaughter-beloved crossing guard, helps kids & families in need.