Seal Beach resident Bob Bolling was one of five recent finalists in Stonefire Grill’s Spirit of Philanthropy Awards. Bob Bolling has spent 12 years and a total of 8,766 hours tending to the emotional needs of children at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach.
Five local “super volunteers” were the honorary guests at the grand opening of Stonefire Grill in Lakewood. The fast casual restaurant, known for its expansive menu of American fare, invited volunteers, donors, humanitarians and other giving individuals in the local community to celebrate its debut with a Spirit of Philanthropy dinner. More than 600 attended the free dinner and five outstanding individuals were recognized for their exceptional work:
Robert “Grandpa Bob” Bolling—Seal Beach—Has spent 12 years and a total of 8,766 hours tending to the emotional needs of children at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach. This “gentle giant” cuddles, coddles and comforts youth from infants to teens to ease their emotional and physical pain. Grandpa Bob makes it a point to spend time with each and every child, especially those who are chronically admitted, and has a special bond with them all.
Marilyn North—Long Beach—Retired schoolteacher has been an active volunteer at Little Sisters of the Poor for 12 years interacting with the charity’s many residents with the aim of brightening their spirits. For 17 years, she also has volunteered at Casa Youth Shelter in Los Alamitos, where she plays games with the youth, helps them with their homework and serves as a friend. In addition, she volunteers for the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra and St. Joseph Catholic Church Senior Organization.
Patricia Williams—Lakewood—An animal lover, this “über-volunteer” assists Fix Long Beach in its attempt to spay/neuter pets owned by low-income families. From sunrise to sunset, this tireless worker will not let a pet suffer so if clients are ill, she will drive the pets to a vet. She’s known to bottle feed kittens and finds families to give them a caring home. She also runs half-marathons for charitable causes, including the one her special needs son is involved with.
Jennifer Kumiyama—Downtown Long Beach—Heads the Ms. Wheelchair California Foundation recognizing the achievements of women in wheelchairs and educates and advocates for Californians living with disabilities. Not a beauty pageant, Ms. Wheelchair California evaluates advocacy, achievement, communication and presentation and selects the winner to serve as spokeswoman representing people living with disabilities.
David Montgomery—Cerritos—As chair of the Special Olympics World Games Host Town Committee for Lakewood & Cerritos, he oversaw the housing, food, transportation and social activities for 200 Special Olympians prior to the start of this summer’s World Games. His dedication to volunteering stems from his deep faith in the Mormon Church.
Each was presented with $50 gift cards by restaurant representatives and Montgomery also received a free catered party for 25 offered by Stonefire Grill.
