John Grandi Winner of 2009 Community Appreciation Award

The Big Bear Lake International Film Festival, selected John Grandi as the recipient of the “Community Appreciation Award.” Ty Warren, Film Festival Board President comments, “John is always at the forefront when it comes to donating his time and talent for the betterment of the Big Bear Valley.”
The Community Appreciation Award is given to an individual who has contributed greatly to the well being of the Big Bear Community. This is the 10th Annual Film Festival held in Big Bear but only the 4th time that a community member has received recognition. In 2000 Actress Shirley Jones was the first community advocate honored with the prestigious award. For unknown reasons it did not re-surface until 2007 when Channel 6 TV Host Ron Seymour was nominated in a move that the Film Festival Board unanimously agreed was long overdue. Last year (2008) Dick Kun was the announced winner for his many philanthropic endeavors.
The 2009 honoree, John Grandi, is one of Big Bear’s living legends – sharing his life stories on stage as benefits for such worthy organizations as the Hospital Foundation and the Library, acting in CATS productions and as a Rotarian often emceeing the Eagles of Excellence evening. John uses his popular human interest column in the Grizzly Newspaper “Stay Tuned” to promote the people, projects and happening events in the Big Bear Valley.
The Community Appreciation Award is not limited to individuals who are in “show biz.” However, often “show biz” folks such as Grandi enjoy sharing their background and blessings within the community. John, who with his usual good humor, claims to have “flunked retirement” keeps busy writing, acting and in general lending a helping hand wherever needed. And in all these endeavors he continues to work to make Big Bear a better place for all because as he claims “I’ve been in the ‘people’ business my entire life.”
For John this means spending his time doing things that benefit others is important. He’s acted in small scale productions to benefit both the Hospital Foundation and the Library. A popular favorite “An Evening with John Grandi" done as a charity performance for the Library was so well received that a encore was produced at the Performing Arts Center as a Hospital Foundation fund raiser. John is a “people person” who has earned the respect of the community and has formed many enduring friendships. It is not surprising that his circle of friends come together to support John’s favorite causes – often sharing the stage with him.
Grandi is an actor, musician and humanitarian – and a columnist for the Grizzly Newspaper.