LAFAYETTE, CA. - JUNE 2007 - The Junior League of Oakland-East Bay, Inc.'s (JLOEB) active member Leslie Sullivan earned Valero Benicia Refinery Volunteer of the Year award, the company announced this month. The program is designed to recognize an employee who is devoted to giving back to the community.

Nominations for the award were solicited at each of the 16 Valero locations nationwide, rewarding an employee from each location. Giving back to the community has been an essential part of the culture at Valero since the company was formed in 1980. Sullivan, an employee at the Benicia location, received the highest score for her dedication of serving the community.

"Valero encourages community involvement by sharing funds and time toward the community," Sullivan said. "Valero is supportive of each employee's needs with regard to time. The opportunity to be exposed to many different community organizations has allowed me to see the breadth of need within our communities and to find and choose those organizations that appeal to me."

On June 2, Sullivan also began her term as Chair of JLOEB's 2007 Artful Living Home Tour Committee. The Artful Living Home Tour is both unique and educational, focusing on an integral perspective of architectural style, landscape design, interior design and furnishings. The showcase is sure to spark discussions as well as help inspire tour participants to build or remodel their own dream homes. This year's tour provides a special look into several architecturally-distinctive and meticulously-crafted homes in the Walnut Creek area.

"I am looking forward to chairing this incredible annual fundraiser which continues to gain momentum," Sullivan said. "The League produces tangible benefits for the children throughout the Bay Area and I am excited that our fundraising efforts through the Artful Living Home Tour will assist in expanding our impact in the community."

Since transferring to the JLOEB from San Antonio, Texas in 2006, Sullivan has devoted her time to several East Bay organizations. She currently sits on the Board of Directors for "Reach out in Benicia," an organization that counsels youth on drug and alcohol abuse. Also a member of Soroptimist International of Benicia, Sullivan has participated in United Way fundraising projects and volunteered with the Contra Costa County Food Bank, Bay Area Crisis Nursery and Foster a Dream. She resides in Benicia with her husband, Edward.

One Team, One Dream
"As our Artful Living Home Tour Chair, Leslie embodies the Junior League mission of promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving our community," JLOEB President Beth Gebhardt said. "She is a true team player, and this award is one more example of her commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. We congratulate Leslie on her award!"

Women Building Better Communities
The Junior League of Oakland-East Bay, Inc. (www.jloeb.org) is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

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JLOEB Media Contacts:
Kimberley Hoidal, PR Chair, kimberleyhoidal@gmail.com and Noelle Sheehan, sheehanne@aol.com

Editors Note: Digital images are available upon request.