Santa Rosa, CA — Southwest Community Health Center will honor local visionaries who have made lasting impact on the health of the community at Vida 2007, its second annual gala fundraiser, on Sunday, April 29, 2007 at John Ash & Co. Vintners Inn Event Center in Santa Rosa.

Local health care, business, nonprofit, and civic representatives will join other community members in recognizing key individuals whose leadership and contributions not only further the vision of Southwest Community Health Center but also promote higher quality care and better overall health for everyone. Given the current climate of uncertainty in local health care, Vida 2007 may well prove to be the only party in town where all of Santa Rosa's health care organizations can wine and dine together in celebration.

This year SCHC recognizes the following honorees:

•		Evert and Norma Person, for their philanthropy leadership on behalf of SCHC and Santa Rosa, carrying on the giving legacy of one of this community's founding families.
•		Gail Ahlas, Roseland School District Superintendent, for her community leadership in advocating high quality education for Southwest Santa Rosa youth.
•		Rick Flinders, MD, Clinical Professor, Santa Rosa Family Medicine Residency, for his leadership as a founding member of the Sutter Residency Program's Faculty Practice. Dr. Flinders' commitment to providing the best training for family practices professionals has ensured the health of Santa Rosa families - especially low-income, underserved people -for generations to come.
•		Developer partners Jim Berger, DDS (Retired) and Dan Marrin, MD (Retired) of Brookwood, LLC, for their business leadership and foresight on behalf of future generations compelling them to step forward and help SCHC realize its dream of building a new health center, The Southwest Center for Healthy Families and Children (due in 2009).
•		Chris Stewart, FNP, SCHC Special Programs Leader, for his eight years of community health service and contributions to the Diabetes Collaborative, making SCHC a center for excellence in diabetes care.
•		Abigail Barajas, SCHC Teen Services Coordinator, for her nine years of service working with teens through Teen Advocacy Group (TAG), Elsie Allen Health Center, Teen Clinic, and other health programs in schools and throughout the community. Ms. Barajas' dedication to youth extends beyond their physical health to their personal growth and leadership potential.

Local radio personality Marcie Smothers emcees the evening along with Efren Carrillo of Redwood Credit Union. In addition to the awards presentation, the evening will feature hors d'oeuvres, wine, dinner, and live music along with a silent auction. Tickets are $100 per person; tables of eight are still available at $800.