Jessica Rees:

 Jessica was recently diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer, but instead of sitting around feeling sorry for herself, she started the charity Joy Jars.  Joy Jars help to spread joy to other children laid up in the hospital, and are also sold that others may spread the joy by giving them to others.  http://www.joyjars.org/jj/ http://www.thenegufoundation.org/

Adam Truong

University of California Irvine student, Adam Truong, wanted to do more while volunteering his time with Access OC Surgery. After a 15-day, 650-mile bike ride from San Diego to San Francisco where Truong and friend, Huy Do stopped to volunteer at free clinics along the way, they founded the organization, Perpetual Medicine. Through this organization, Truong helps raise awareness and support for free clinics. Along with other cyclists, Truong volunteers his time to clinics while cycling long distances in search of where help is needed.

http://www.newuniversity.org/2010/01/news/cycling-for-a-cause/

Nancy Caruso

Believing that our future dwells on the importance of encouraging youth to explore their creativity and imaginative thinking, Nancy Caruso, has founded nonprofit organization, “Get Inspired!” Through this program, Caruso has taught 4,000 students to grow kelp in their classrooms and started the Ocean Gear Marine Science Camp. While observing the loss of arts programs in our schools, Caruso has devoted her time to inspiring creativity among youth through the world of science. 
http://www.getinspiredinc.org/index.html

Danny Ramirez

Danny has started up Operation Feed the Homeless at our church and they feed the homeless every other Sunday. They even give birthday parties for the kids in the community whos parents can not afford to have anything for them. Without him starting this outreach we would not be so successful. He also is starting up a non-profit where he could mentor young teens which is awesome and amazing. He is just an amazing person!

Nancy Neilson

Nancy is amazing; she is the Director of the preschool at Faith Lutheran in Whittier. She’s always getting the kids and families involved in raising money for St. Jude Hospital for kids with cancer. She accepts special needs kids in the preschool no matter how much they need help with day to day activities. She makes all the kids feel loved and safe and secure no matter what, and she would give the shirt off her back to give to a child or family in need.

Daniel A. Foster

Orange County native, Daniel A. Foster has displayed courage and heroism through his conduct as a machine gunner in Afghanistan. Serving in the United States military, Foster identified a cargo truck carrying 500 pounds of explosives as a threat. Although his unit received several injuries, they still had their lives thanks to Foster. This heroic act earned Foster a Silver Star, which is one of the military’s most prestigious awards.

http://mlb.mlb.com/content/printer_friendly/ana/y2011/m04/d06/c17437972.jsp

Allison Miller

Allison Miller is a 31-year-old Orange County inspiration who was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 2003. Despite having ups and downs with this chronic illness, she has devoted herself to educating many who have this disease. By participating in walks with Take Steps for Chrohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, Miller has helped raised over $10,000. After losing her father, who served as a police officer for nearly 30 years, Miller and her mother set up a scholarship fund in his name. This scholarship is to help men and women who are trying to fund their way through the Police Academy.

http://online.ccfa.org/site/TR/Walk/General?pg=informational&fr_id=2638&type=fr_informational&sid=3003

http://thechroniclesofcrap.blogspot.com/

Ruth Tang Ding

Through music and philanthropy, Ruth Ding has inspired students and members of her community for many years. In addition to founding several major benefit events, Ding has also devoted herself to serving with several organizations in Orange County, including the Opera Pacific and Asian American Senior Citizens Service Center in Santa Ana. For more than fifty years, Ding has been an activist for gaining awareness for the arts and Chinese culture in Orange County.

http://www.kcet.org/socal/local_heroes/apahm/local-hero-ruth-tang-ding.html

Pastor Dennis Davies

FISH CARES Local Hero: Pastor Dennis Davies

Pastor Dennis was nominated by Tiffany DeBois, "I would like to tell you about my father, Dennis Davies.  He has so much experience as a hero I am not quite sure where to start.  He voluntarily enlisted in the Army to serve during Vietnam where he became a Green Baret.  After that he began an over 30 year career with the LA County Fire Department where he eventually retired as a Captain.  After retiring he immediately went to semenary where he graduated with honors.  He is now on the pastoral staff at our church where he has come alongside many young men who want to become amazing Godly men but do not know how because they did not have Godly examples in their lives.  Every Wednesday he spends hours with a gentlemen at our church who is in his 90's that is mostly alone.  He has been doing this for almost 10 years and is absolutely treasured in that mans life.  My dad was an absolute "hero" of a father growing up, he always had time for us and whatever problem we were having. He worked long hours to provide for our needs. He loves and has loved our mother very much, and mostly importantly he has always strived to have a Godly walk and be an example of Christ's love to the world.  I vividly remember the pride I felt each time he taught at our church's AWANA counciltime  all the children how to put on the "Full Armor of Chirst" in our lives.  He has touched many hearts and won many for the Lord.  As if this all is not enough already, the reason I am nominating him is for his latest heroic deeds.  Almost 2 years ago my mother, and his wife of over 33 years was diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer and eventually brain cancer.  He has been there through every moment caring for her and being the hero that she needs right now to lean and rely on to get through these most trying times.  In my eyes, and many more peoples eyes, there is no more heroic man than him, and I could not be more proud to call him dad.  When I think about the blessing I was given as a father here on earth and know that our Father in Heaven loves us even more, I am truly in awe.

Thank you for the opportunity to nominate my hero!"

Nicola Weiss

FISH CARES Local Hero:  Nicola Weiss

Nicola was nominated by Hanne Koerber, "She raised $15,000 to help pay for Medical bills of her son's best friend who is fighting cancer.  She is the mother of 5 children ages 10, 8,8,8, 7 and she coaches 2 soccer teams, serves on the PTA, The Educational Foundation to save the hands on science and Music Program, is the Treasurer for the Scout Troop, Member of the Chamber Education Committee to name just a few.  She is a mom to her children there for them day in and day out, working in their classrooms, delivering lunches and raising them to be Christians.  She is a loving wife to her husband of 15 years.  I can't imagine a better hero to honor."

Jessica Joy Rees

FISH CARES Local Hero Feature: Jessica Joy Rees

Jessica was nominated by Jennifer Reed, "Jessica was recently diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer, but instead of sitting around feeling sorry for herself, she started the charity Joy Jars.  Joy Jars help to spread joy to other children laid up in the hospital, and are also sold that others may spread the joy by giving them to others.  http://www.joyjars.org/jj/  &  http://www.thenegufoundation.org/"

Melinda Sue Weiss

Fish Cares Local Hero feature: Melinda Sue Weiss

Melinda was nominated by Connie Giddens, who wrote, ""Miss Mindy" as her students have been calling her for 30 years is an amazing woman. Yes, she has been teaching and reaching young minds as a pre-school teacher for 30 years, starting out at the tender age of 19. She will have to tell you where she taught pre-school before coming to Holy Cross Lutheran Early Childhood Center in Cypress, CA because that is where I met her. You see, I was the School Secretary there for 21 years and when she was looking for a place for her own children to attend elementary school, I found out she was a pre-school teacher and soon after that she started at Holy Cross as a teacher. Then a few years later, became the Director of the pre-school, a position she still holds. Mindy has an infectious smile and laugh, even now after losing her husband - her soul-mate, Grafton, to sudden cardiac death in late Novemember 2008. She is an incredibly strong woman and although she misses him daily, is still able to convey the love of Jesus to her pre-school children and ultimately to their parents. Sometimes un-Christian parents come to know Jesus because of what Miss Mindy teaches the little ones at school. They in turn, bring it home, insisting on saying prayers at meal-times and bed-time. Many children come back over the years to visit Miss Mindy, even after going on to High School and College. It's always heart-warming for me to hear these 'kids' still call her "Miss Mindy."  I think Mindy would be so happy to be selected as the Local Hero because even though  she suffered a tremendous loss when her husband Grafton died suddenly, because of her Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, continues to do His work, and further His Kingdom by teaching the pre-school age children. Thank you for taking my request in to consideration."

Beth Sanden

FISH CARES Local Hero Beth Sanden

Beth was nominated by Kim White, who writes "Beth is a paraplegic athlete who is helping other people with physical challenges get out and exercise. She attributes all she can do to Christ. Her story in her words HERE"

Beth Saden on the Great Wall of China

Kim Barnette

FISH CARES Local Hero:  Kim Barnette

Kim was nominated by Ronda Gregory, who writes, "Kim is involved in many groups in the community.  She is trying to reach others and help through struggles while teaching them about Jesus Christ.  She serves on the Celebrate Recovery Team EVERY Friday night, Works w/ Kingdom Causes, helps at our church (Calvary Bellflower) and serves a nice breakfast and prays w/ the homeless EVERY Saturday. She does all this while being an AWESOME GOD LOVING Wife, mom, & friend."

Katie Whaley

"Katie created a community service based program called  "My Sweet 16 Year of Giving Back" as a way of giving back to her community to celebrate her 16th birthday.  During 2010 her goal was to volunteer for 16 different service organizations in the Southern California area.  She wanted to grow as a person, celebrate this significant event in a young girl's life and inspire other teens to give back to their community.  She completed her goal of volunteering for 16 organizations in 2010 and has continued the program in 2011 as "My Super 17 Year of Giving Back"!  She has been able to inspire other teens to get involved through the blog she created that chronicles her volunteering activities, as well as using social media as a way to communicate upcoming events to her friends.   She is proof positive that teens can help make the world a better place!  She inspires me every day with her giving spirit and generous soul."

Leon Williams

"Leon Williams, founder of The Mobile Closet, seeks out donations and distributes them to local homeless & needy. He built out a trailer into a mobile closet and goes out to local parks, events and outreaches to provide necessities to those in need. He has coordinated a relief trip to the tornado victims and leaves California on May 26th. Please check out the website of this two year old non-profit at www.TheMobileCloset.org for pictures and more information on Leon & The Mobile Closet."

Mobile Closet in Joplin, helping tornado victims

Leon Willams (left)

Orlando Sanchez

Local Hero: ORLANDO SANCHEZ

Christian Betke nominated Orlando Sanchez as a FISH CARES Local Hero, Christian wrote, "Orlando established 'Feed the Hungry' over 20 years ago, a once-a-month food distribution event on the 2nd Saturday of the month at Newport-Mesa Church for residents of Costa Mesa. These days, Qoheleth Ministries (parent organization) feeds between 350-500 families through that event alone. In addition, Orlando spends 7 days a week out in the community, ministering to those in need; sharing the Gospel and providing food and other resources. He has truly put every aspect of his & his family's lives in God's hands, trusting Him for providence. I have the blessing to serve with him at the 'Feed the Hungry' event and on the Board of Directors for Qoheleth Ministries, as well as to be in a bible study together, and I am always humbled by his selflessness, humility, grace and kindness, along with his fervor in serving the Lord. He is truly my hero!"

The Taggart Family

Local Hero:  THE TAGGART FAMILY

Gillian Kocher nomated the Taggart Family as a FISH CARES Local Hero, Gillian wrote, "Each year, the Taggart family hosts an Alex's Lemonade Stand Grand Stand event to honor the memory of their son John Kelly Taggart. The Taggarts hosted their first stand in June 2005 during John's last year of life. From John's idea and Alex's plan they were able to raise over $10,000 that year as well as enjoy John's smiles and happiness as his friends, family and community banded together. It is in his honor that the family continues to host stands, hoping to break their record this year.

This year, the Taggart Grand Stand will feature members from the Orange County Fire Authority, along with a juggler and stilt walker to entertain supporters. Along with ice cold lemonade, the stand will also feature fresh cookies from The Sweet Life."

Stephanie Saltikov

Local Hero:  STEPHANIE SALTIKOV

Dawn Lowe nominated Stephanie Saltikov as a FISH CARES Local Hero, Dawn writes, "This person is an English teacher at Huntington Beach High School. But she is SO much more than that. Every day during lunchtime at the school, "Mama Salti" (as the kids call her) opens up her classroom for what she calls "The In Crowd." All students of any grade are invited "in" to eat lunch in a warm, safe, clean/sober environment ... and the food is all provided BY HER AT HER COST. Stephanie has in her classroom 4 small fridges, 4 small microwaves, and a tall dbl-door cabinet which holds various types of food - ramen noodle soup, cup noodles, easy mac, popcorn, canned soups, pop tarts, etc, along with soda & water. No child is turned away. If that wasn't enough, she has lunch catered and bought in on Thursdays - an easy $100-$150 for that day alone, again out of her own pocket. My daughter, Trinity, has been going to "The In Crowd" for quite a while and is now a student aide for Mama Salti as well. I finally got to meet this generous loving woman, and she is an authentic Christian soul with a huge compassion for young people. She is an inspiration to me and a wonderful example of God's love for others. My daughter and I, along with all the rest of the HBHS students, are blessed to know her."

Sommer Pyburn

Local Hero: SOMMER PYBURN

Roberta Funes nominated Sommer Pyburn as a FISH CARES Local Hero, Roberta writes, " Sommer Pyburn is a great young lady, 15 years of age, who attends our church faithfully and is involved with the youth activities at church. She volunteers time in the summer at the Dog Training School nearby, and takes an active part in other community services, like the distribution of Girl Scout Cookies at the drop sites where the Girl Scout Leaders pick up cookies for their troups. But mostly, I think she deserves to be nominated because she is organizing and and implementing a "Miss Amazing Pageant" at her school. This pageant is for the girls who are physically challenged and therefore are never included in the things that popular and pretty girls are involved in. Sommer wants to make it a very special event for them. Each girl is to be judged on Prettiest eyes, prettiest smile, nicest laugh, prettiest hair, etc, so that every girl is a winner in something. She will be delegating parts of this event's preparation to dependable and well trusted peers to make this a memorable evening for each and every contestant. They will walk down a red carpet and each one will have a tiara of some sort. Sommer is a very outgoing and caring person and one that always thinks of others before herself. She is an asset to the community, the church and her school.  She is a Hero and deserves to be recognized, because with all she does for others, she never looks for recognition."

Rita Viselli

Our first FISH CARES Local Hero is RITA VISELLI
She was nominated by Zendrea Mitchell

Zendrea writes....
"Rita Viselli is an extraordinary woman who has dedicated her time, soul, kind words, ideas, and support to the lives of so many individuals, especially single mothers with children.  We come from all different cultural backgrounds, religious roots, and experiences. Yet through her ministry, The Single Moms' Ministry, we, the single moms and our children merge into a unique, embracing family--a family devoted to raising our children righteously, and nurturing ourselves.

Ms. Viselli welcomes every person with open arms.  Her embrace is felt as if she has been a life-long friend, or more so, a sister--a sister in Christ.   God has worked through Ms. Viselli to bring us together.   Ms. Viselli imparts that we are continually loved by God.  Unfortunately, sometimes, we forget this.  Yet, with this reminder, a bright light shines in our dimly lit moments, we are encouraged during times of discouragement, and we are given the stamina to be the best mothers.

I was led to the Single Moms' Ministry bible study.  There, I found refuge-a place where I can be at peace and bond through the fellowship of other women over shared food, and the laughter of children.  A single Christian mother's journey is unique.   Ms. Viselli understands the depths of our lives and became the stimulus to strive onward.   In bettering ourselves, we improve the lives of our children, our community, and the world.
 I am looking forward to the upcoming Mother's Day event.  Ms. Viselli has tirelessly put much of herself into making this event a dedication to mothers, one where they can leave with the conviction that 'all will be well'.    This will be my first time attending.   Already, I am moved by what will soon occur, by the lives that will be touched, and by the message that we are not alone.

Through our diverse, collective journeys, we are each other and we are the same. I thank God for the opportunity know such an amazing woman."