Ken Sanders

Community Service

It would be a challenge to attend any event in Manteca and not find Ken Sanders working to make sure everything goes smoothly. Ken does not like to lead the charge or be in the spotlight. As a volunteer, he prefers being behind the scenes doing most jobs that require him to be the first to arrive and the last to leave. Ken is described as an “Unsung Hero” due to the countless hours he contributes to many organizations and events. Ken often puts in more hours than those in charge without complaining and has, on many occasions, taken vacation time from his employment at Give Every Child A Chance to volunteer. Ken’s involvement is vast and legendary. From 2002-2004 Ken volunteered for Manteca Police Beat as part of the camera crew showing on air safety tips on cable TV to the Manteca community. Since 2003 he has been a member of Manteca’s Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT). He was part of a CERT team that traveled to Florida during hurricane season to assist those displaced and in many cases who lost their homes. From 2005-16 he was in charge on logistics for the Manteca Street Faire and for many years assisted in the set-up of the weekly Farmers Market. He facilitated tough love classes for South County Crisis Center when the instructor was absent. Ken has worked at the Sunrise Kiwanis Pumpkin Fair in various capacities such as vendor check-in, hospitality cook, set-up and clean-up. He assisted in the restoration of the Manteca Chamber of Commerce parade stage and also has worked setting up both the Manteca Christmas Parade and Sunrise Kiwanis 4th of July Parade. Other volunteer work includes, Second Harvest Chili Cook-off, Cinco De-Mayo Celebration and other events in support of non-profit organizations. Most recently, he has worked logistics for the Great Valley Bookfest and once again the Manteca Street Faire. Ken has been honored for volunteerism by Manteca Sunrise Kiwanis as an Honorary Member in 2013 and received the Super “K” Award in 2017 for outstanding service. He has also been recognized by CERT and the Manteca Convention & Visitors Bureau. Ken graduated from Encinal High School in Alameda and is married to his wife Debbie where they enjoy their weekly bowling league. Ken and Debbie have one daughter, Amber, son in-law Chris and three grandchildren.