Parents of the Year 2007
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National Parents of the Year 2007 -
     Ernesto and Linda Gomez of Paradise Valley, Arizona

Dr. Ernesto M. and Mrs. Linda Gomez of Paradise Valley, AZ have been selected as the 2007 National Parents of the Year. The Gomez’s are raising five children, all of whom have already begun making positive contributions to society. 

The Gomez’s have been involved in a myriad of charities and community benefiting efforts through the years, despite the fact that their 3 youngest children all suffered with a serious heart ailment until their teen years.

The Gomez family received the National Philanthropic Award given by St. Vincent De Paul after one of their projects, the Gomez Family Food Drive, gathered over 100,000 cans of food for the needy.   The family also created and donated the property for “Crossroads”, a temporary housing project for the homeless in Mesa, AZ.  

     
The tragic loss of another child in infancy due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) led to Mrs. Gomez’ 20 years of continuous volunteer service as a Grievance Counselor with the “Compassionate Friends” organization, which aids the victims of SIDS.

     
Dr. Gomez, a medical doctor who was recognized by Phoenix Magazine as a “Top Doctor” of Phoenix , has served as a chaperone and volunteer doctor on numerous international service projects, including trips to Ireland , Russia and Cambodia .  

The five Gomez children, ranging in age from 15 to 25, are all “A” students, each earning numerous academic awards. The two oldest are in graduate school. They are all involved in charitable works. The younger four are also actors. The youngest, Hunter, won an Academy Award nomination as “Best Supporting Actor” for his role in the movie, “National Treasure”.  Reflecting the community-centered nature of his older siblings, he has also won 3 CARE awards for scholastic and community service achievement. 
       

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