Humanitarian of the Year nominees

Florence Phillips

nominated by Jann Fargnoli

"Florence started volunteer tutoring in February 2004 but soon realized there was a greater need than she could handle alone. She began recruiting other tutors and set up an in-home, one-on-one at no cost to the student, a program tutoring English as a second language.

"She now coordinates activities of 73 tutors and 130 students in five counties. She also raises funds to cover the cost of textbooks to keep the program at no cost to the students.

"Since the program began, 17 students have become U.S. citizens, and several obtained their GED. There is a waiting list of 105 students.

"Through her selfless efforts and determination, Florence is making a great contribution to our community," said nominator Jann Fargnoli.

Phillips said it was an honor to be nominated.

"It's very humbling," she said. "It's an honor to be one of the three nominees. This is a program that has to have more recognition because I get calls every day. Most of it is by word of mouth of students who are already in the program.

"There is a need. I get calls every day, and it bothers me to say I have to put them on a list. It just keeps growing.

"I love it. This is my passion."

Lori Haney

nominated by Helaine Jesse

"Lori Haney is a charter member of the Carson City Rotary Sunset Club, helping found it in 1994. She is active in the club and also works on the Christmas Shopping Spree for underpriviliged youth and the Carson Center project for the hospital.

"She has been an integral part in reaching the goal of raising $200,000 for the hospital's cancer center. She also serves on the Capital City Circle Initiative as a community volunteer; worked tirelessly on developing an emergency loan program for low-income families; has been a member of the Boys and Girls Club of Western Nevada since 1996; active member of the Capital Campaign committee and Annual Giving committee; serves on the Western Nevada College golf classic committee and is a member of the Northern Nevada Development Authority; Carson City Chamber of Commerce and has served on the Affiliate board.

"Lori Haney is a gifted, talented, amazing person whom I have the great privilege of knowing," said nominator Helaine Jesse.

"I'm pleasantly surprised," (by the nomination) Haney said. "There are so many deserving people (of this honor) in Carson City, it's nice to be recognized.

"There are so many deserving folks and there are so many wonderful people in our community who make this community what it is. It takes all of us to make it work."

Rachael Lambin

nominated by Debbie Lambin

"Rachel has two passions in life - the desire to help others and use her artistic talents to create items for fundraising for her projects.

"She realized the problems with childhood obesity and started helping her peers to learn about nutrition, exercise and sharing the love of self-esteem and following your dreams to be anything you want to be.

"Rachel created 'HOPE' (Helping Obese People through Education), and "Bridging Hope" to help support an orphanage in the Mathare Valley slum in Kenya.

"Today, Rachel is working as a paid artist on consignment to provide funding for programs she is involved with, in support of the orphanage school. Her work is on display and for sale in local boutiques and galleries and sells her work on consignment to local businesses as corporate gifts," said nominator Debbie Lambin.