Saratogan Jack Hillis Receives Distinguished Service Award

Longtime Saratoga resident John L. (Jack) Hillis will be honored with the Distinguished Service Award from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley.

The recognition will be presented to Hillis for his longstanding involvement in the organization, said spokeswoman Jennifer Makin.

Hillis has served faithfully over the years, currently on the club's golf committee, and was a member of the board of directors for 15 years, including serving as board president, she said.

The nonprofit organization will have its It Just Takes One annual recognition luncheon 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Corinthian Grand Ballroom in San Jose.

Makin said Hillis was chosen for the prestigious award by an internal selection committee, based on his service and dedication to the club. She explained the Distinguished Service Award is not given every year.

Over the years, Hillis and his wife Polly have supported the club with their time and treasure including supporting silent auctions, committee work and donations, she said.

Hillis has been affiliated with the Boys & Girls Club of Silicon Valley for 25 years and served as president for three years.

He's also the president and founder of Hillis Financial Services and has more than 40 years experience providing financial planning and asset management advice to individuals, corporate executives and business owners.

Earlier in his career, Hillis was a branch manager for two West Coast regional investment firms and served for six years in the California National Guard. He received his bachelor of science degree in commerce from Santa Clara University.

The luncheon keynote speaker will be Monte Sereno resident Carl Guardino, who's the president and CEO of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group.

Other award honores are:

• Champion of Youth: John Vidalin, San Francisco 49ers
• Legacy Investor: Dell
• Community Partners: Special Kids Crusade; World Wide Workshop
• Alumni of the Year: Jose Ordaz
• Youth of the Year: winner to be announced