|
The Acorn Camarillo Acorn Moorpark Acorn Simi Valley Acorn Thousand Oaks Acorn |
 |
|
|||||
|
Irish John Gore honored by Hospice
Hospice of the Conejo presented Gore with its first American Hero award as part of the nonprofit group's annual golf tournament and banquet on May 18. "Irish John is beloved to all who know him. A more giving man would be hard to find," said Hospice executive director Maria Prescott. Gore has served on the board of directors for Hospice. He's also volunteered for other charitable groups such as the Kiwanis Club of T.O. and the American Cancer Society. He's known throughout the community as a lively, humorous master of ceremonies at many fundraisers. "Anytime anyone asks for his help, he's there. He's an incredible man who never says no," Prescott said. This time, others had the microphone and it was Gore who was their focus. He was given the an American Hero award medallion and honored by certificates from such dignitaries as Councilmember Jacqui Irwin and the office of Gov. Arnold Shwarzenegger, U.S. Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Thousand Oaks), state Sen. Tony Strickland (R-Thousand Oaks), state Assemblymember Audra Strickland (R-Thousand Oaks), the Thousand Oaks Kiwanis Club and the American Cancer Society. Irene Brennick, director of community services at Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center and a Hospice board member, was singing "People Like You," a song she wrote just for the occasion, when Gore's eyes filled with tears. Gore was born in Bangor, County Down, Northern Ireland, and immigrated to the U.S. in 1963. He became an American citizen in 1977. "He loves America and cries every time the national anthem is played," Prescott said. Gore's 48 years of work in the newspaper business included a post at the Thousand Oaks News Chronicle before almost two decades at the Hollywood Reporter. He retired in 1999. A member of the Kiwanis Club of Thousand Oaks, Gore was recently elected as a trustee of the CaliforniaNevadaHawaii District of Kiwanis. He also helped launch the American Youth Soccer Organization in Torrance, coaching boys' and girls' teams. A three-time cancer survivor, Gore has served local charities including Hospice, the Wellness Community Valley/Ventura, American Cancer Society Relay for Life and Conejo Valley Days. About 250 people came to the barbecue lunch, golf tournament and banquet. The charity collected more than $15,000 for the event, which was a surprise to the organizers, Prescott said. "People who love Irish John are very generous, kind people," Prescott said. The event included a silent auction and raffle tickets. The U.S. Marine Corps League, Detachment 597, presented colors. Don Shewmon opened with a prayer. Bella Yarina and dancers from O'Connor School of Irish Dance performed. "We wanted an event to honor someone, and he was the perfect choice—he loves America, loves people and is very genuine," Brennick said. "It was a great day. I'm still walking on cloud nine," Gore said. "People Like You" by Irene Brennick It's not every day that you find someone who cares Someone who'll stay beside you through the years Too many times faces turn away Don't want to hear the words you have to say And it's not everyone who will listen for the cause Lending a hand out of love, not for applause But you are the one who will always give To help someone else—help them to laugh, help them to live People like you make living worthwhile Kindness unfolding in the turn of your smile And when you're gone, that kindness so true Will leave people like me striving to be People like you I wish I could say the right words to let you know How deeply we feel and the love we want to show The difference you've made you don't realize Oh can't you see, you're a hero in our eyes 'Cause people like you make living worthwhile Kindness unfolding in the turn of your smile And this world of pain could be made anew And it would occur if all people were people like you Yes it would occur if all people were People like you |
    |
||||
