By Town Crier Staff Report

Margaret M. Abe, a tireless fund-raiser and volunteer for a range of community non-profit organizations, received the Norman Y. Mineta Lifetime Achievement Award Oct. 4.

The award was presented by California State Assemblyman Joe Simitian at the 2002 Annual Appreciation Dinner at Ming’s Restaurant in Palo Alto. The Silicon Valley Asian Pacific American Democratic Club honors community leaders who have contributed to their community in a significant way.

Abe is an active leader at the Mountain View Buddhist Temple, Bus Barn Theater Company, Community School of Music and Arts and Hidden Villa in Los Altos Hills.

She has produced and organized the Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival and raised funds for many organizations, including the Stanbridge Academy in Santa Clara and Foothill De Anza College Flint Foundation.

In 1997 The Town Crier included Abe as one of the 10 people who made a difference in Los Altos during the decade 1987-1997.

“She’s a wonderful person,” said Mady Kahn, who has worked with Abe on different volunteer efforts. “She’s such a giver, and she never says no. She’s always there for anyone who’s had a loss, and any time anyone needs help with a fund-raiser.”

Abe has served on the boards of San Jose Taiko, De Anza College Commission, Midpeninsula YMCA, El Camino Hospital, Montclaire Elementary School PTA and Homestead High School PTA.

She has been honored by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors and received awards from the Los Altos Board of Realtors, El Camino Hospital Foundation Board and Japanese American Citizens League.

Abe was honored with the Los Altos 1991 community service award for “her unselfish giving of time and talent to health care.”