Sunflower Hill Awards Inaugural Rainmaker Awards

Alameda County Supervisor Scott Haggerty, Pleasanton City Councilmember Kathy Narum and the city of Livermore were all recently named the inaugural winners of the Rainmaker Awards by Sunflower Hill.

The new awards acknowledge the partnership and support Sunflower Hill has received from key community leaders and organizations to realize their vision.

“We are very fortunate to have accomplished as much as we have over the past five years,” said Susan Houghton, President of the Board of Directors.  “And we know that without the support of these important Rainmakers, we would not be where we are today.  Each, in their own way, allowed the ‘rain’ to fall for Sunflower Hill.

Our organization grew. Our sunflowers blossomed. These Rainmakers believed in our vision and because of that, our entire community now benefits.”

Alameda County Supervisor Scott Haggerty received the Rainmaker Award for being the first elected official to actively assist in the search for land for a residential community. His transformational grant of $500,000 to the organization in 2016 allowed Sunflower Hill to hire its first employees – including a lead Farmer at Sunflower Hill Gardens.

Pleasanton City Councilmember Kathy Narum placed Sunflower Hill on the Council’s priority list in 2015. Her early recognition of the need for additional special needs housing in Pleasanton helped the organization form a partnership with the developers of Irby Ranch. Sunflower Hill at Irby Ranch, a planned community for 30 individuals with special needs is now in development.

In 2015, the city of Livermore accepted Sunflower Hill’s proposal to operate a one-acre sustainable garden at Hagemann Ranch, providing staff and operational support to ensure success. The City’s desire to partner with Sunflower Hill and support horticulture and training programs for residents with special needs, is rapidly becoming a best-practice example in the state and nation.

Congratulations to these 2017 Rainmakers!

Photos courtesy Gina Coomber, Fireboxgirl Photography.