STATE
Kristen Olsen – California State Assembly Member
“It has been inspiring to see the outpouring of volunteerism spread throughout our city. Love Modesto brings together thousands of people to serve our community in practical ways. As a state assembly member and a resident of Modesto, I am grateful to everyone who has given their time, energy, and resources to truly minister to and Love Modesto.”

COUNTIES
David Rogers – Madera County Supervisor
“In these tough economic times, there are shortages everywhere. But, it is inspiring to know that there is no shortage of love. Love Madera is bringing hope and joy to the lives of people all over Madera County; hundreds of individuals who are giving of their time, talents and treasure to let others know they are loved. Our community is a better place because of Love Madera.”

Adam Christianson – Stanislaus County Sheriff
“Love Modesto is great way for all of us who live in Stanislaus County to make our community a better place to live. I applaud and support the efforts of so many who are willing to help others while promoting a positive message about the community we live in!”

Dick Monteith – Stanislaus County Supervisor
“Love Modesto is God’s love in action!”

Sofie Pettygrove – Community Housing and Shelter Services, Stanislaus County
“When I think about Love Modesto, I get a picture of members of our community working together, taking action in the spirit of enthusiasm, collaboration, and commitment to LOVE MODESTO! What an incredible way to help out and make things better in our beautiful community.”

CITIES
Debbie Cook – Honorary Mayor of Coulterville
“As honorary mayor and a first responder, it was an honor to participate in this event. It was a great day filled with laughter, happiness and a feeling of love for our community.”

Chris Vierra – Mayor of Ceres
“Live Ceres is a tremendous event that brings the community together and unites us in a common goal – the beautification of our city. The community involvement and outstanding participation is a testimony to how the citizens care about this community. I am truly thankful for all the volunteers that have donated time and hard work.”

Eric E. Ingwerson – Ceres City Council Member
“Love Ceres” is a great program that brings people together for the betterment of their community. It is a very positive and rewarding opportunity to get involved, contribute, assist others and along the way make our city a better place to live. Thank you to all who take the time out of their busy schedules to volunteer. Remember – “Love Ceres”.

Mary Anne Seay – Director of Parks & Community Services, City of Madera
“Love Madera is a tremendous illustration of the enthusiasm and willingness of our residents to help make Madera a more livable community. The connections we make as we come together in stewardship will make us better neighbors, leaders, and community members.”

Garrad Marsh – Mayor of Modesto
“Love Modesto is the essence of ‘love thy neighbor’ – I say thank you to all the citizens that turned out to help make Modesto a better place to live.” Modesto a better place to live.”

Robert Poythress – Madera City Council Member and Vice President of Citizen’s Business Bank
“The Love Madera Community event that took place during the Spring of 2012 was nothing less than phenomenal. Enthusiastic community groups from all over Madera contributed their time and resources to clean up the City as well as minister to the infirmed and less fortunate. Love Madera community service events are creating a new generation of leaders in Madera who realize that giving to and serving others is gratifying beyond measure.”

Greg Nyhoff – Modesto City Manager
“Love Modesto is a perfect example of the passion, commitment and willingness of our good citizens to pitch in and volunteer their time, energy and spirit to improve their city during these strained financial times. These types of partnerships and volunteer efforts will hopefully be a model for the future regardless of the economic times–a great day.”

Mike Harden – Modesto Police Chief
“As the police chief I know the correlation between a blighted community and crime, disorder and fear. To see a grassroots effort against blight and crime is inspiring and uplifting. I fully support Love Modesto and would love to see it grow in popularity and participation”

Virginia Madueno – Mayor of Riverbank
“Love Riverbank has been instrumental in bringing our community together and one that unifies us for a common goal … and the beautification of our city is only part of the mission. The community involvement and participation are truly the testament to how we can bridge the divide amongst many members of our community. I am grateful for all the volunteers who donate their time and hard work in making Riverbank the best city it can be.”

SCHOOLS
Scott Siegel – Superintendent, Ceres Unified School District
“It is always important to give back to the community, but never more so than during these challenging times. I am also grateful for the example that the Love Ceres volunteers are setting for our young people.”

Jay Simmonds – Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services, Ceres Unified School District
“Love Ceres was great! There is nothing more inspiring than seeing a community pull together to improve itself”.

Jorge Perez – Modesto City Schools Outreach Director
“Through love and kindness, Love Modesto provides hope to our children, families and communities. Love Modesto unites people from different walks of life to make a difference. Great movement in our city!”

Cindy Marks – Moedesto City Schools Board Member
“My heart was blessed to see so many caring, passionate, thoughtful people showing God’s love in tangible practical ways. Modesto is a great place to live!”

Terriann Zeek – Sylvan Union School District Board Member
“Love Modesto showed me how much can be accomplished when we all work together to serve the city we love … it was an awesome day!”

CHURCHES
Mark Whitehead – Victory Assembly of God
“What a pleasure to work in partnership with the community to build a better Ceres. Love Ceres is a great movement that helps us create in Ceres a place people want to move to and not from. Count us in!”

Jim Davis – Trinity Church
“What a wonderful way to serve Escalon. Everyone should want to be involved at some level and help make our community even better. I appreciate the efforts of all the volunteers that help to make this a success for our community. Keep on loving Escalon!”

Barry Bernard – President, Madera Ministerial Association
“Love Madera has become the banner under which our faith-community has rallied to tangibly demonstrate the Savior’s unconditional concern for this city. Moreover, it has created partnership opportunities with local government and other civic-minded individuals & groups who share both our vision of excellence for Madera and a willingness to labor sacrificially toward that goal. It’s the ultimate ‘win-win’.”

Bob Irwin – Mill Creek Church
“Seeing so many served and excited to do so warmed my heart as a Pastor. It gave me hope that we can make a difference together!”

Garth Aderholt – Shelter Cove Community Church
“My joy was in teaming together with other believers from different churches to encourage and support a longstanding ministry in our community… what an honor to serve God’s servants!”

Michael McClenaghan – Wellspring Anglican Church
“Love Modesto provides one of the best ways I have ever seen for local church families to come together to love others as Jesus loves us.”

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
Linda Gardner – Doors of Hope Pregnancy Resource Center
Love Madera was great and the volunteers were wonderful. They cleaned and replanted our first flower beds, making our entrance way beautiful. The Love Madera leadership was easy to work with and all information was posted in a easy to follow format on website. The staff and volunteers here at Doors Of Hope PRC want to thank LOVE Madera volunteers and sponsors for truly making Madera feel loved. Looking forward to helping in the next project.

Ryan McWherter – Director of Madera Food Bank
It was very encouraging to see the community of Madera coming together to make this a better place to live. I myself was very blessed to be part of going out and going door to door collecting canned goods and with a team of 60 people we accumulated thousands of pounds of food. Love Madera has been a great idea for our community to unite.

Sandra Evans – Oakland Elizabeth House
“Love Oakland did a great job at Oakland Elizabeth House. The group of volunteers we had were very eager to help and were so generous by providing our families individually-made gift bags. We appreciate Love Oakland and their efforts to provide community service to our organization!”

Lisbeth Garcia – Delta Blood Bank
“Love Modesto was an uplifting experience and Delta Blood Bank is honored to be considered among so many worthy causes.”

Jessica Hill – Habitat for Humanity
“It is so inspiring to see so many people from all backgrounds come together through Love Modesto with the common mission of wanting to improve the area we live in.”

Brad Wilson – Modesto Gospel Mission
“Many of the men, women, and children who come to the Gospel Mission are overwhelmed by defeat – Love Modesto is one way you can show them that God has not forgotten them and that they are not invisible.”

Marci Boucher – Society for Handicapped Children and Adults
“Love Modesto is Phenomenal! It brings the community together for one common goal, to help and serve others. You can’t help but feel the love of Jesus from everyone who participated.”

Lori Aderholt – World Relief
“Love Modesto has been one of the best ways for people to hear about and get involved as a volunteer with our organization. Long lasting relationships have been established through the Love Modesto events that are changing the lives of our newly arriving refugees as well as our new dedicated volunteers.”