Roseville, Calif.- Carol Garcia of Roseville was this year's recipient of the "Heart of the Community Award." Garcia received the award at the third annual Victims' Rights Breakfast, which is hosted by the Placer County District Attorney's Office.
The event takes place every year during National Victims' Rights Week to honor those in the criminal justice system and members of the community who have given of themselves beyond the call of duty to assist crime victims.
The breakfast raises awareness concerning victim rights, victim issues, and victim services in Placer County. The event, held at the Blue Goose Event Center in Loomis, was hosted by Scott Owens, Placer County District Attorney.
"You don't have to live in Placer County or Roseville very long to understand who the heart of the community is – it's Carol Garcia."
Ed Bonner, Placer County Sheriff
Although Garcia stays extremely busy juggling her job as Senior Vice President at Community 1st Bank and has served on the Roseville City Council since 2007, she still finds time to demonstrate commitment to many civic organizations, most notably the Placer Breast Cancer Endowment.
Garcia received the award in part, for her efforts and success in raising $1.5 million to fund a full-time physician position in perpetuity at the University of California at Davis. The new position will be dedicated solely to researching a cure for breast cancer.
A breast cancer survivor, Garcia is the co-founder and chairperson of the Placer Breast Cancer Endowment, which was established in 2005.
"You don't have to live in Placer County or Roseville very long to understand who the heart of the community is – it's Carol Garcia," Placer County Sherriff Ed Bonner said, in presenting the award. "This award honors someone not necessarily involved in the (law enforcement) system, but understands it very well, is a volunteer in the community, and contributes in making Placer County such a wonderful place to live. Carol Garcia is a phenomenal person."
Garcia was born and raised in Roseville and has been involved in the banking industry for more than 30 years. She was past president of the Roseville Rotary, Roseville Chamber of Commerce, and Child Abuse Prevention Council of Placer County.Â
"While I'm honored to receive this community award, it really should be shared with the many dedicated volunteers of the Placer Breast Cancer Endowment," said Garcia, who will begin serving a two-year term as Roseville's Mayor later this year. "The award goes to our group in what we've been able to accomplish in raising $1.5 million. We will find a cure for cancer!"