Ken Sanders — the go-to-guy that works behind the scenes to make a wide array of community events happen — is being inducted into the Manteca Hall of Fame.

The induction ceremonies and dinner takes place Saturday, May 18, at 6 p.m. at the Manteca Senior Center, 295 Cherry Lane. Tickets are $65. They are available through the Boys & Girls Club, 545 Alameda St, or by calling 239-KIDS.

Sanders is being inducted for community service.

Other inductees in the Class of 2019 are Larry Lee Barnhizer, art; Chuck and Teri Palmer, special recognition; Frank C. Mello, agriculture; Janet Fiore, Janice Zacharias, and Gloria Stanley, group; Benjamin Edward Taylor, health care; Vince Hernandez, education; Senator Cathleen Galgianj, government; Kenneth Summers, business; and Georgiann Rose, at large.

“Community volunteer Ken Sanders is an unsung hero, he not only works (events but) he takes an active role and is usually one of the first to get there and one of the last to leave,” said Chuck Crutchfield who nominated Sanders. “Ken takes on any task he is asked and does it through to completion without complaining. He often puts in as many hours if not more than those that are in charge of events.”

Among a few of his volunteer activities are blocking streets, setting up vendor check in area, hospitality cook and more for the annual Pumpkin Fair; helped restore the Manteca Chamber of Commerce parade trailer; sets up judges stand, public address system and cleans up for the Fourth of July parade; is a member of the Manteca Citizen Response Team (CERT) and has traveled to Florida after hurricanes to help displaced people; works the April downtown street fairs and farmers markets; facilitated South County Crisis Center Tough Love sessions when the instructor was absent; helps set up the Christmas parade judges’ stand; worked at the Great Valley Bookfest, various fundraising dinners, Second Harvest Food Bank Chili Cook-off; and a long list of other endeavors staffing the events as well as helping set up and clean up.

He has been known to take vacation days so he can help with community projects.

Sanders has been an honorary member of the Manteca Sunrise Kiwanis since 2013 and earned the Sunrise Kiwanis Super “K” Award for outstanding community service in 2017.

He has worked for Give Every Child a Chance since 2003.

Sanders and his wide Debbie have a daughter Amber and three grandchildren.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com