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."