Congratulations to Petaluma's own Val Richman, Executive Director of the hugely influential Mentor Me Program - "Jewel of a Woman" honoree of the Girl Scouts of Northern California organization.
Richman has been Executive Director of Mentor Me Petaluma for six years and a mentor for nine years. Mentor Me Petaluma serves 200 children and youth ages 5-17 from sixteen school sites in one-to-one mentorships as well as serving 85 waitlisted children through peer-based group activities.
Sonoma County's Heather Irwin of the Press Democrat's wildly popular Bite Club will emcee an event on September 10th in which a well deserving Richman will be presented with her Jewel of a Woman Award along with fellow honoree Kathy Witkowicki - Founder and Director of the Stand By Me Mentoring Program in Sonoma Valley. The Sonoma Valley program has served over 1000 at-risk youth over the past 12 years. Presently, 450 children have a mentor in their life.
The event, named after the first honoree - Ruby Jewel Codding Hall, is the 18th annual and a fun-filled evening honoring women selected for service in their community and for being excellent role-models for young girls.
The evening includes a reception at the Sheraton Hotel, Petaluma with gourmet dinner, silent auction and a program honoring the selected ‘Jewels.’ Community support of this event greatly helps to provide Girl Scout services to thousands of girls who, in turn, learn valuable ways to support their own communities.
For more information, call Girl Scouts of Northern California at 707.524.9215.
That is so cool and Val is DEFINITELY deserving of this great recognition!
Posted by: Anastasia Schuster | Thursday, August 12, 2025 at 06:28 PM
Well deserved.....congratulations Val! You are a truly a gem in our community.
Posted by: Jani | Sunday, August 22, 2025 at 10:19 PM