Awards and Recognition

Apr 15, 2009: Young Gardeners Sow the Seeds of Healthy Living 

Susan Gilmore, Executive Director, Wins Prestigious Jefferson Award

 In the Garden of Eatin' in Novato, children may eat fruits and vegetables on any plant or tree. They're the ones who plant the seeds, water the plants, watch them grow, and reap the harvest. "It's good when you pick something, then wash your hands, and then eat it," four-year-old Cash Conners says shyly. 

Watch the CBS5 video and → Read more

October 5, 2007: Petaluma's SHAKE Project Wins New leadership Award. 

NBCC Recognized for Leadership in Health and Nutrition

View SHAKE award video and read more about the award below.

 SHAKE, an innovative collaboration between parents, school employees, and the health care and business community, is the recipient of a 2007 Leaders of the North Bay award. The North Bay Leadership Council acknowledged SHAKE's effort in the "community building" category of the competition.

An awards ceremony will be held at an Oct. 19 luncheon at the Doubletree Hotel in Rohnert Park. Former U.S. Congressman and U.S. Chief of Staff Leon Panetta will be the keynote speaker.

The North Bay Leadership Council, representing the area's business and government leaders, is honoring five organizations and individuals with its inaugural Leaders of the North Bay awards for their efforts to enhance the quality of life for residents in Sonoma and Marin counties.

SHAKE: Support Healthy and Active Kids in Education was founded three years ago to address ways to improve children's health, particularly nutrition awareness and fitness. Organizers acknowledged escalating rates of childhood obesity and felt urgency to halt the trend by joining forces with existing community groups. They're creating innovative and fun ways to increase kids' physical activities and improve their eating habits.

"We're thrilled by the award, and it's an honor to be recognized for this collaborative effort. It took a village to make this happen," said Susan Gilmore, one of the SHAKE organizers.

"Community recognition helps further the cause and brings more supporters on board. We've only scratched the surface of what can be done," said Gilmore. "It's a grassroots effort with people from a lot of areas involved."

SHAKE has received sponsorship grants and financial support from Petaluma Education Foundation, Petaluma Health Care District, Kaiser Permanente, Clover Stornetta Farms, Hansel Ford, local physicians, and business community members. It has also received volunteer and financial support from local PTAs, the Petaluma Bounty project, North Bay Children's Center, and professional help from Sonoma State University's Dept. of Kinesiology.

SHAKE has supported the creation of new school and community gardens, funding to hire a district-wide garden coordinator, funding and training for physical education specialists for elementary schools, and development of a SHAKE physical education framework and lessons.

"Through SHAKE, we are increasing students' physical activity and increasing their nutrition awareness, said Greta Viguie, Superintendent, Petaluma City Schools. It is rewarding for all of us in SHAKE to see how by combining our efforts toward a common goal of Healthy Active Kids in Education, we are making a difference in the health and nutrition of all of our elementary students."