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HOOD RIVER — What does it mean to have a heart of gold? For the 2024 honorees, it means a life focused on helping improve lives in the community. At Providence Hood River Foundation’s annual Hearts of Gold celebration, a health professional and a community volunteer will be honored in recognition of their golden hearts.
Each year, many names are submitted to honor special people in our community and the foundation always has a tough time choosing the winners. This year’s recipients are Judge Paul Crowley and Don Evaristo Romero.
Don Evaristo Romero
Romero’s journey is inspiring — from a farmworker background, he became a force for social justice and health in our community for decades, as well as a beacon of support for those who are most marginalized, said a Hearts of Gold press release. Originally a health worker for several Columbia Gorge clinics, his unique perspective allowed him to connect deeply with individuals, particularly farmworkers, plus address broader social causes that affect health. Romero was active in the Providence residency program, helping medical residents provide care and taking them to the fields and packing houses so they could better understand the workers. A champion of effective communication, he worked to make health information understood by all in the community. After 20 years, Romero is retiring, leaving a legacy of compassionate service and positive impact on the lives he has touched.
Crowley, who served as a judge for nearly 23 years and as a Rotarian for 32 years, exemplifies all that is community service in Hood River, said a Hearts of Gold press release.
Judge Paul Crowley
As a Rotarian, he started the “Dictionary Project” to give each fifth grader in our area a dictionary every year, led cleanups along Interstate 84, and volunteered with many other efforts. Drawing on his legal background, Crowley has helped nonprofit and government organizations with mediation. He spearheaded a vital partnership to have Rotary members volunteer more than 3,500 hours with the FISH Food Bank during the pandemic. Crowley is an avid biker and a member of the Hood River Crag Rats, taking part in mountain and helping with a campaign for a new roof for the Crag Rat Hut.
An evening to honor Crowley and Romero is planned at 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, at the Best Western Plus Hood River Inn. The Hearts of Gold celebration is open to the public. In addition to honoring the award winners, guests will be treated to an evening featuring a cocktail reception, engaging program and a gourmet meal, said the press release.
A limited number of tickets are available at $120 each, and sponsorships are available. Call 541-387-6242 to purchase tickets. All proceeds from the evening benefit caregiver scholarships at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital.
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