It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear friend and colleague William “Z” Zeltonoga.

Z was a founding Board member of The Heart Touch Project and served the organization with passion and dedication for the last 16 years. Some of his accomplishments (from a very long list) are-Rhodes Scholar, Vietnam Veteran where he received the Bronze Star, graduate of Oxford University and Harvard Law School, brilliant attorney, gourmet chef and sommelier.

Z’s warmth, his attention in listening, his choice to care and to help, his loyalty, his infectious smile, and his kindness and generosity all went into making him the treasured and unique friend that he was to us all.The world was a better place because Z was in it. We miss him desperately and will carry him in our hearts forever.

Volunteers-Patrick Callahan, Merry Clark, Michael Norman, Shannon Oehler, Chanbora Sok, and Kathy Stafford all participated in The Heart Touch Project’s 2011 International Outreach Program to Cambodia. The volunteers provided compassionate touch to children at New Hope for Cambodian Children as well as a shelter for people who have suffered acid burns, children at a hospital ER and adults in the TB ward. To see more photos of this years journey please visit our facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/HeartTouchProject.

The Santa Baby Gift Collection donated hundreds of chocolate gift boxes this Christmas to Heart Touch Volunteers and their Hospice Clients. When opened the chocolate boxes played the song “Santa Baby.” Tamar Springer, daughter of Philip Springer ( who wrote the song) and President of SBGC made the presentation at the Heart Touch Office in December.

West 4th/Jane, a Santa Monica restaurant, will donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of art in its Atrial Flutter exhibition to The Heart Touch Project. Featuring works by artists Andrea Shear and Sara Brum, the show runs through January 9. The restaurant, which serves pub style food and a large variety of imported beverages, is located at 1432A 4th Street, between Santa Monica Boulevard and Broadway.