It is true that SchoolPower is only as successful as the passion and commitment of its donors. Throughout the years there have been certain individuals and businesses whose involvement in SchoolPower has made a singular difference in the success of the organization and our schools.

The Hall of Fame Award (aka The Claes Award) was named in honor of its first recipient, Claes Andersen. Mr. Andersen, owner of The Hotel Laguna and its Claes Restaurant, opened his restaurant to SchoolPower in 2001, underwriting his annual dinner for seven consecutive years, as well as hosting many dinners for 50 as auction items for SchoolPower's gala, the Dinner Dance. Cumulatively, Mr. Andersen and his family have donated over $200,000 to SchoolPower.

In yet one more act of amazing generosity, the Andersen family had offered to host its 8th Claes dinner, when Mr. Andersen passed away tragically on August 11, 2010. Insisting that he would want it to continue, his wife, Georgia, carried on with the fall event. Recipients of this award are filling very big shoes. SchoolPower cannot express its gratitude enough to the Andersen family. We all are in their debt.

HALL OF FAME RECIPIENTS 2006 – Claes Andersen 2007 – Don Crevier 2008 – Philo Smith & David Wilhelm 2009 – Hearts of Montage 2010 – David Wilson 2011 – Laguna Graphic Arts

The Bill Steel Award

To understand the significance of the Bill Steel Award one must know of the achievements of the man it is named for. Starting in 1997-98, Mr. Steel took charge of the Community Campaign and ran it for ten years straight. The year he took over, the Community Campaign spiked from raising $30,000 the year prior to an unprecedented $81,000. He continued to inspire people to give more each of the ten years he was in charge. In 2008, his final year, the Campaign raised upwards of $500,000. In the midst of all this success, he also managed to add SchoolPower Board President to his resume from 2000-2001. Clearly, recipients of this award are individuals who are not only dedicated, but possess stamina as firm believers in Laguna's public schools.

BILL STEEL AWARD RECIPIENTS

2008 – Bill Steel

2009 – Fouad and Cynthia Houalla

2010 – Kathleen and Bill Moore