For more than two decades, the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley has recognized many of those families with its prestigious La Familia award.
The Leonard Ramirez family of San Jose was chosen as this year's recipient.
Len is a veteran reporter at a Bay Area TV station. The broadcaster has made an emphasis to make time for community service through his video talents and community leadership -- the trait he learned from his parents.
"It's definitely difficult to live up to the standards that he set," Len said. "But its something that I try to do every day."
Len's wife, Julie, also has picked up the family calling of service from Day 1, volunteering at PTA and other school functions.
She even took on city hall and a developer-winning the battle to get Flemming Park build in the neighborhood.
Community service is a trait she's now passing on to the third generation of the Ramirez family.
Local
"When I tell them you're a Ramirez and that means something here," Julie said. "Means you're committed to your community and you handle yourself with respect and honor, and we got grandpa's legacy to move forward."
