Past Essence of Life Honorees
The Essence of Life Awards celebrate individuals and organizations who exemplify ElderHelp’s mission of helping seniors age with dignity and independence. Our past honorees include inspiring seniors, dedicated volunteers, ambassadors and community partners who make our work possible.
2025 Essence of Life Honorees – click to watch PAST videos
Nikki Ostrem
F.V. “Tex” Cornwell Ambassador
Russell Winslow
F.V. “Tex” Cornwell Ambassador
Joanne “Joedy” Adams
Cynthia Hansen Client Spotlight
2024 Essence of Life Honorees – click to watch PAST videos
2023 Past Honorees
Barbara J. Brown—Legacy Award
San Diego Foundation—Community Partner
Nordson Corporation—Corporate Partner
Joe Freitas—Volunteer Spotlight
JoAnn Frost—Cynthia Hansen Client Spotlight
2022 Past Honorees
Phyllis Minick—Inspirational Senior
Charles A. Frueauff Foundation—Community Partner
Gensler—Corporate Partner
Patrick Sullivan—Volunteer Spotlight
Bill Eiffert & Leslie Hodge—F.V. “Tex” Cornwell Ambassador
Marilyn Kagan—Cynthia Hansen Client Spotlight
2020/21 Past Honorees
Lieutenant Colonel John Seissiger—Inspirational Senior
Sycuan Resort & Casino—Corporate Partner
The G.O.L.D. Diggers—Community Partner
Michele Kinkade—Volunteer Spotlight
Kristen Chazaud—Ambassador
Gilbert Olson—Cynthia Hansen Client Spotlight
2019 Past Honorees
Deborah Szekely—Inspirational Senior
Gary & Mary West Foundation —Community Partner
Qualcomm, Inc.—Corporate Partner
Nicole Darling—Ambassador
Chris Rowan—Volunteer Spotlight
Mary Lou Gayman—Cynthia Hansen Client Spotlight
2018 Past Honorees
Evonne Schulze—Inspirational Senior
Ellen Browning Scripps Foundation—Community Partner
San Diego Gas & Electric—Corporate Partner
Anne Clifford/John Silcox—Volunteer Spotlight
Cathy Ingrassia—Ambassador
Mahmood Paksima—Cynthia Hansen Member Spotlight
2017 Past Honorees
Fran Styles–Inspirational Senior
Grossmont Healthcare District—Community Partner
Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd—Corporate Partner
Richard Taylor—Volunteer Spotlight
Cindi Hill–Ambassador
Jane Lindsey—Cynthia Hansen Member Spotlight
2015 Past Honorees
City of Poway—Community Partner
US Bank—Corporate Partner
Virginia Napierskie—Philanthropist
Rob Roberto—Volunteer Spotlight
F.V. “Tex” Cornwell—Ambassador
Beverly Rodgers—Maida Cooper Member Award
2014 Past Honorees
Alliance Healthcare Foundation, Community Partner Honoree
AT&T, Corporate Partner Honoree
Pending, Philanthropist Honoree
Michael Boden-Baumann, Volunteer Honoree
Judy Combs, Ambassador Honoree
Cara Barnes, Member Honoree