By Dave Schwab

Nonprofit United Way of San Diego County celebrated its 95th birthday Sept. 17, presenting awards to deserving volunteers while saluting the start of a “new era” in the organization.

Senior Vice President Valin Brown, who emceed the event, called United Way a work in progress.

“Our organization continues to evolve, to be vibrant, to redefine itself in modern times, to do the work that drives impactive change,” Brown said, adding that United Way’s mission is simple.

“It’s about elevating every child, and family, to a brighter future,” he said.

United Way President and CEO Kevin Crawford said United Way is the very first nonprofit group to be hosted at the new Bayfront Coasterra restaurant owned by the Cohn Restaurant Group, which has partnered with the nonprofit.

“Ninety-five years is an incredible period of time to be doing one thing [philanthropy] in the community,” Crawford said. He said the group isn’t resting on its laurels but “looking forward realizing we need to be relevant, significant. We need to be a part of what goes into making San Diego one of the best regions in our nation.”

Crawford hinted more positive developments are on the way.

“We will have some things to roll out to you, what I affectionately call the new United Way,” Crawford said, adding that the goal is to “bring together the collective wisdom of this community to solve the great social challenges we face.”

Maureen “Mo” King received the sixth annual James F. Mulvaney Community Leadership Award.

King said it was an honor to stand among those who have received the award previously, and credited Jim Mulvaney senior, the man for whom the award was named, as a “leader among leaders.”

“Leadership is nothing more than getting people to do things,” King said. “Jim Mulvaney was a pro at getting people to do things.”

Jonathan E. Vance received the “Volunteer of the Year” Naish Award. The award recognizes an individual who has made a significant and sustained contribution to United Way as a volunteer and commemorates the extraordinary commitment of Jack Naish, a former board member and creative leader.

United Way got a special present at the end of festivities, a colorful birthday day cake marking the organization’s 95th year.

—Dave Schwab came to San Diego 30 years ago with a journalism degree from Michigan State University and has worked and freelanced for numerous dailies, weeklies and other regional publications. He can be reached at [email protected].