Honoring Community Heroes
Apr 06, 2022 12:00AM ● By Story and photos by Susan Maxwell Skinner and Tia Gemmell
Dave Kovar (center) was named Carmichael person of the Year. Sharon Ruffner (left) was hailed for volunteerism. Gabrielle Rasi DDS was Businesswoman of the Year. Leonora Lee MD received Outstanding Community Service honors. Publisher Paul Scholl was Businessman of the Year. Back row: Greg Fishman received a trophy for SMUD. Scott Young (Carmichael Hart) was honored for Outstanding Community Service. Michael Koerner accepted accolades for Carmichael Parks Foundation. Photo by Tia Gemmell
CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Black belts outnumbered black ties at the Carmichael Chamber of Commerce Person of the Year banquet last week.
Martial arts entrepreneur Dave Kovar was honored for national business success and his efforts to motivate young people toward self-improvement. His friends, family and students packed the Arden Hills resort ballroom. They included 30 karate Black Belts (including wife Angelina, son Alex and daughter Melissa). Even event emcee"'Good Day Sacramento anchor Tina Macuha–earned her girdle at Kovar’s Sartori Academy in Carmichael.
Accepting his award, Kovar named his father, 99-year-old WWII veteran Len Kovar, as a life mentor. “He was shot down over Budapest and survived nine months as a prisoner of war and two death marches,” Kovar said. “My father never complains; he regards each day as a blessing. He lives his life with honor and integrity, and he’s still a massive inspiration to me.”
Kovar also embraced family and staff. “As the founder of the company I get the perks,” he said. “Being Person of the Year makes me proud. But the hard work of my team makes good things happen. They’ve always stood by me. We’re all focusing on making the world a better place by empowering people of all ages to contribute to society.”
Other 2022 Chamber of Commerce honorees included: Almond Orchard Dentist Gabrielle Rasi (Businesswoman of the Year); Carmichael Times Publisher Paul Scholl (Businessman of the Year); Sharon Ruffner (Volunteer of the Year). Outstanding Community Service awards went to Carmichael HART founder Scott Young and to Dr. Leonora Lee of Kaiser Permanente. SMUD was named Business of the Year.
A portion of event proceeds supported Non-Profit of the Year, the Carmichael Parks Foundation.
“It was an honor to be recognized by the Chamber of Commerce for our hard work and support for the community at the Carmichael Times and Messenger Publishing Group. We aim every week to make Carmichael a better place to work and live.” Scholl said.
Learn about the Carmichael Chamber of Commerce at www.carmchamber.com or call (916) 481-1002.
