Helping people help themselves

None of the founding members had attempted any fundraising but worked together to support the local nonprofit. Forty-eight years later, Wisnom is still passionate about the organization and willing to help however it needs. That dedication is why she is one of two women being honored at the 17th annual Winners Celebration — Families Moving Forward Sept. 12.

"Ruth’s legacy will always be an integral part of who we are and what we do. Ruth and her family epitomize the helping hand at the heart of our mission,” said Peninsula Family Service Chair Judy Swanson.

Wisnom is touched by the honor but isn’t keen on the limelight. She accepted with the understanding that it could possibly lead others to learn more about an organization she holds dear.

For the Hillsborough Auxiliary, the work started with a show at the Hyatt Music Theater. The Broadway cast of "Flower Drum Song” was performing and the opening night was held as a fundraiser. The group raised $15,000, which Wisnom explained with a twinge of excitement still in her voice. Eventually, the group decided to hold a travel expo at the fairgrounds. People paid to get in and the opening night included an auction. The auction, Wisnom explained, raised more than the entrance fees. It was the beginning of the gala tradition that remains today.

Throughout the years, Wisnom has actively served on the board of directors and now holds the title of honorary life board member. It was the ability to help meet the immediate needs in the community that keeps Wisnom active, she said. In addition, she appreciates the organization’s ability to change to meet the needs of a certain time.

For example, there was an increase in runaway youths in the 1960s. The organization started the program A Place to Stay, which provided teens a safe place to stay, access to counseling and help getting reconnected with their families. When that problem wasn’t as prevalent, the organization shifted its focus, she said. Similarly, opportunities for child care grew within the organization when the divorce rate rose and moms returned the workplace. Today, Peninsula Family Service connects nearly 20,000 people annually to a variety of services including child care and preschool opportunities. There is also training for seniors, said Wisnom.

"We’re helping people help themselves. I like that attitude,” said Wisnom.

Sharing the work of the group is something she enjoys doing with friends and family. Within the last couple of years, even her granddaughters have started to become involved with the group.

Professionally, Wisnom was a speech therapist for many years. After having children, the workload became difficult. Instead, she ended up in advertising — a field she was introduced to through her volunteer work with Peninsula Family Service.

"I’ll always remain involved, as long as they let me,” she said.

Olivia Munoz of San Bruno will also be recognized at the Winners dinner gala. Munoz will receive the "Families Moving Forward Award.” At one time, she enrolled her children in Peninsula Family Service’s Leo J. Ryan Child Development Center and now serves as a teacher’s assistant there alongside three of her children who are teachers at the center and five grandchildren who are now enrolled.

The Winners dinner gala will be held 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12 at the Menlo Circus Club in Atherton. Former 49ers player Brent Jones will speak and television personality Jan Yanehiro will emcee. Tickets to the event are $175 per person, or $275 per person including a VIP private reception with Brent Jones. To purchase tickets call 403-4300 ext. 4410 or visit www.peninsulafamilyservice.org.

Heather Murtagh can be reached by email: heather@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 105.