Surprising 8-Year-Old Wins Honor at Second Harvest Food Bank Dinner

There was a great moment at the Second Harvest Food Bank dinner giving awards to people in Santa Cruz County who have done the most to raise food for the hungry.

When emcee Danny Keith read the accomplishments of one volunteer who raised 2,475 pounds of food and asked her to stand up, he was shocked that the winner, Jocelyn Webber was only 8.

"I was expecting a grown up person," he said laughing. Then he teared up as he read her accomplishments.

Webber, the daughter of Assistant County Clerk Tricia Webber, was the Food Drive Chairman for the County Clerk's office.

"First, she designed a flyer for inclusion with the poll worker materials going to folks who would be working at the November Presidential election asking for their assistance in this project," said Keith. "She made a box for donations that was in place at each of the poll worker training classes along with thank you cards for all who brought donations. During this phase she was able to collect about 30 pounds of food and almost $50 in monetary donations. 

"Second, she had a 'clean out your cupboard' contest for staff in the County Clerk's Office. The person who donated the most weight would have $20 donated in their name (and this was money she was earning herself at home and saving). Through this contest the office brought in just shy of 300 pounds of food. 

"Last, Jocelyn went to friends, family and neighbors where she collected more donations – both food and monetary.

"One of her goals was to fill four barrels. Though she fell short of that goal, her efforts generated two amazingly full barrels containing a whopping 411 pounds of food. As a result of Jocelyn’s amazing work, the County Clerk's Office brought in contributions totaling 2,475 pounds."

Second Harvest raised 3.6 million meals over the Holiday Food Drive.

Those who pitched in and were recognized at the Paradox Hotel dinner were:

Special Promotions: Cilantros, Capitola Mall, Soif Wine Bar

Media Award: Santa Cruz Sentinel, Clear Channel Communications, Good

Times, Register-Pajaronian

Helping Hands: Tim Carl, Erik’s Deli (Watsonville), Santa Cruz CORE Fitness

Annual Rotary Award: Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary

Above & Beyond: John Steele, Community Foundation, Jocelyn Webber

Coordinators of the Year: Kelli Greene, Plantronics; Willie King, Boardwalk Bowl

Big Step: UCSC

CEO’s Cup: Wells Fargo Bank

Chairman’s Cup: Toyota of Santa Cruz

President’s Cup: County of Santa Cruz

Heavyweight: Twin Lakes Church

Presenting Sponsor: Bay Federal Credit Union

Kate Award (Most Likes): Nick Balesteri

Second Harvest Board Members, Kristine Ronzano and Donna Mosich, presented the 2013 Hunger Fighters of Year Awards to Claudine Wildman, County of Santa Cruz and Katherine Sutton, Meals on Wheels. These exceptional women have made a difference in the lives of so many people and their work is truly inspirational.

Read more about them here.

View the complete list of Can Awards here.