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Ina Zec presenting an award to Mark West
Ina Zec
President Emeritus
Board of Directors
The Spirit of Light Award
2000/2001
Ina Zec
Born in Croatia, Ina left her homeland in 1967 to come to the United States. With her, she brought her two young children, one of whom was Igor, her 5-month old baby boy. Arriving in a new country was a challenge for Ina, but even more of a challenge was that Igor was born with congenital cataracts, a condition that resulted in him losing his sight.
Several years later, Ina learned of a preschool with an early intervention program that would not only teach Igor important skills, but would help Ina get through this very difficult time — this school was the Blind Childrens Center.
It was 1979 when Ina brought Igor to the Center, and the rest is history. The Center won the heart of Ina just as she won the hearts of the staff and volunteers. Igor is now 24 years old and Ina remains involved as a member of the Board of Directors and the Golf Committee. Whether hitting the pavement to obtain auction items for the golf tournament or introducing prospective donors to the Center, her charming accent, kind-hearted personality, and shining smile guarantee her a win over the toughest challenges.
"This is like winning an Oscar, but even better!" Ina said, after hearing that she was this year's recipient of the Spirit of Light Award. In addition to receiving the Spirit of Light Award, Ina was honored by the Blind Childrens Center on National Philanthropy Day in 1995 because of her volunteerism. Ina also sits on the Board of Directors for the Beverly Hills Chamber Orchestra and volunteers at local mental health facilities.
For 7 years, Ina was Manager of Executive Suites for Operating Engineers. Now retired, she enjoys gardening, traveling with friends, and spending time with her son and daughter Sandra.
Congratulations, Ina! We cannot think of a more deserving person of this award. You are a true friend of the Blind Childrens Center. A friendship that we will forever treasure and hold dear to our hearts.
We thank you Steve, Ina, and our past Steve Garvey Spirit of Light Award recipients, Jimmie Duffy, III, Marion Yoshida and Rosalinda Mendiola. It is your wonderful spirit that will help us Light the Way for our children today, tomorrow, and for years to come.