A local leader will be honored for his seminal role in Silicon Valley philanthropic giving this Thursday. Peter D. Hero, former president of the Community Foundation Silicon Valley, will receive the award from the Sunnyvale-based Pathways Hospice Foundation at a ceremony in Palo Alto.

"Prior to(Hero) taking over the role, the entrepreneurs and the energy that characterizes Silicon Valley hadn't turned its attention to philanthropy to any great extent," said Trish Morgan, executive director of the hospice foundation.

"Peter was instrumental in likening the success of Silicon Valley to a duty toward philanthropy and to showing entrepreneurs how they could take the lead in philanthropic ventures," Morgan said.

Pathways has awarded philanthropic and humanitarian efforts annually at its One from the Heart Awards Breakfast since 1990. The event is also a fundraiser for the charity's hospice-care patients.

The organization through which Hero raised social consciousness of philanthropy, the Community Foundation of Silicon Valley, recently merged with Peninsula Community Foundation, becoming Silicon Valley Community Foundation. Hero is now senior advisor to the latter organization, which is based in Mountain View.

Other One from the Heart honorees include Norma and Jack Melchor, who will receive the Frances C. Arrillaga Humanitarian Award for lives dedicated to charitable work; and Carol Proffitt and JoAnn Kemist, who will be recognized for service on the Pathways board.

The ceremony will take place at the Crowne Plaza Cabaņa Hotel and feature Jeanne Phillips, aka Dear Abby, as a speaker, according to Pathways.

— Arden Pennell

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