Chinese Daily News reporter Cindy Hu and Eastside Optimist torchbearer Herb Motonaga  are recipients of the 2009 People Who Make A Difference Award (PWMAD) sponsored by the United Democratic Club of Monterey Park.

Alhambra Adult Education exercise guru and speaker for the event,  Sonja Holladay, will motivate attending couch potatoes with her presentation: “Exercise Is Medicine – the Top Ten Reasons to Move More and Sit Less.”

PWMAD is a non-partisan tribute presented annually by the United Democratic Club of Monterey Park to one city resident man and woman who have previously received little public recognition while making major community service contributions.

Names of the honorees are embroidered on a tapestry which hangs in the Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library.

Hu has covered Monterey Park and West San Gabriel Valley politics and news events for the past 20 years for the Chinese Daily News. Motonaga, a long-time leader of the Eastside Optimist Club, has also been a leader in organizing events for the youth of the community and is a city Recreation and Parks Commissioner.

The dinner, which begins promptly at 6:00 p.m., is open to the public. Tickets are $27 (includes tax and tip) and can be purchased from Kathy Wills (626-570-1054) or
Tilda/Terry De Wolfe (626-280-0479 – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ), or by mail at UDC, P.O. Box 954, Monterey Park, CA 91754. Attendees are asked to specify their preference of prime rib, salmon or chicken pasta when reserving. (A vegetarian plate is available upon request.).

In addition to Hu and Motonaga this year’s PWMAD nominees were Shirley Hwong, Didi Meza, Pat Tomoyasu, Larry Odono, DDS, Jesus Ortiz and Ed Wong, MD. All nominees will receive commendations.