Savannah's Heart Award
The 2009 Savannah’s Heart Award winners were announced Thursday, May 21st at the annual Savannah’s Organic Ranch golf tournament dinner held at the Aliso Viejo Country Club in Aliso Viejo, California.
“Savannah’s Heart Award was created to honor children who have reached out  beyond their friends and family to find a cause important to them, who have shown passion for others in their community, and performed acts of kindness,” offered Joe Sachen, co-founder of Savannah’s Organic Ranch.
All Semi-finalists were invited to attend the dinner on Thursday night and the First place Award winner was announced. All semi-finalists were awarded silver heart boxes for the young ladies and engraved metal tags for the young man.
1st Place - Group Division - Girl Scout Group 2226. This group worked for 2 years raising money (more than $2500) in the community through bake sales and recycling. The group designed and printed a brochure on the benefits of not using plastic bags. These girls attend Don Juan Middle School and are in the 6th grade!
Emily Cintron, Carly Telenko, Alyssa Lambiase, Katie Hood, Gabby Nelson, Meg Murray, Maddi Gjovik
Semi Finalist - Group Division - was Corrina Thompson and Madison McFarland. These 6th graders attend St Anne School in Laguna Niguel and  worked very hard to help foster children in crisis. They collected more than 460 pairs of new pajamas with the help of their classmates for foster children throughout south county along with close to 100 books to provide these needy children with comfort.
1st Place 7-12 year olds
Alec Dardis, a 12 year old 6th grader from St Anne school in Laguna Niguel, organized his own tennis tournament to benefit St Jude's research hospital motivated by a boy he knew who had been diagnosed with cancer. Alec
raised $2,020 in his first year. He spent more than 60 hours coordinating the tournament which sold out! Everything from the t-shirts, to the food, to the location was donated so 100% could be donated to St Jude’s.
Semi Finalist 7-12 year olds
Taylor Burton is a 5th grade student at Canyon Vistas in Aliso Viejo, She went on a mission to Rwanda where she served hundreds of children last year by reading stories, teaching songs and crafts. Taylor is battling her own disorder and trying to inspire other kids with an article for national children's newsletter.
1st Place 13-18 year olds
Brittnie Ramirez is an inspiring 17 year old who is a cancer survivor. Brittnie provides blankets to other children who have had cancer, and she tells her own story of her cancer fight and survival to bring hope to others fighting cancer. Brittnie buys crafts and art to help those who are listening to her story. Brittnie volunteers at the annual picnic for survivors.
Semi-Finalist 13-18 year olds
Jordan Davis is a freshman at JSerra High School. She co-founded Lions for Africa Club which sells authentic bags from Africa to raise money for children in Africa. Jordan was a leader in organizing Operation Christmas Child at her school and more than 850 boxes were received to help needy children.
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