Golden Bowtie Award Banquet happening March 9 at Gold Dust West Carson City
Carson City's Democratic men's group (of which I am currently chair) periodically presents its Golden Bowtie Award to men who have made significant contributions to the community and deserve recognition as worthy male role models. Ron Norton, founder and CEO of ComputerCorps, fits that description perfectly. That's why he is our 2024 Golden Bowtie Award honoree.
ComputerCorps is an internationally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to providing access to computer technology and skills training for under-served families, at the same time minimizing the amount of electronic waste (eWaste) deposited in our nation’s landfills.
After wrapping up his business career in Southern California, Ron Norton decided to apply his entrepreneurial skills to realizing a vision inspired by how access to computer technology had restored his father-in-law's zest for life and social engagement after his wife's passing.
Having scouted out the possibilities in a number of western states, Ron settled upon Carson City as the base for ComputerCorps, a non-profit where volunteers could be trained to recycle items of computer and electronics equipment and make them available to individuals and families in the community who would otherwise have gone without. Almost three decades and 8,000 volunteers later, the non-profit Ron Norton founded is still going strong.
The banquet honoring Ron and his organization will be held in Gold Dust West's Pinon-Sage Room on Saturday, March 9, 2024. Registration begins at 5:00 pm. the buffet will be available from 6:00 to 7:30. The program begins at 7:00.
The buffet dinner includes a chef's Prime Rib carving station with Au Jus, Baked Salmon with Dill Hollandaise Sauce, and Chicken Cordon Bleu with Tarragon Supreme Sauce. Sides include fresh seasonal vegetables, tossed green salad, two other hand-crafted salads, several specialty desserts, and fresh brewed coffee.
The keynote speaker will be Carson City Mayor Lori Bagwell. Following the award presentation, Ron Norton will narrate a PowerPoint featuring the myriad of services provided to the community and the region by ComputerCorps and its volunteers.
If you wish to attend, you can pay at the door using cash, check or credit card. Be sure to RSVP to richdunn@aol.com with the number and names of those in your party. Gold Dust West needs to have the final headcount by the 1st of March.
Tickets are $65. Each ticket comes with a raffle ticket for a chance to win one of several $25 ComputerCorps gift certificates. Ron informs me that some of his young volunteers would love to attend but can't afford the steep ticket price, so sponsorships would be much appreciated.
Tickets can be pre-paid through ActBlue, a Democratic fundraising website. This event is definitely NOT a fundraiser, nor is it political or partisan in any way, so please ignore all prompts for contributions or donations. We're using ActBlue for online reservations because it's able to accept payments, deliver tickets via email, and provide us with an up-to-date attendance list.
If you want to see ComputerCorps in action, pay their outlet store a visit at 4630 Hwy 50 E. It's open Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM, Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM. In addition to offering refurbished computers and accessories at very reasonable prices, it's also where you can take your existing PC's and Mac's for upgrades and repairs. It's an invaluable community asset.