The recipients of the 2011 Inaugural Distinguished Service Awards include three individuals from Wards 7 and 8 that serve youth, families and the greater community; a major funding foundation that supports a number of East of the River organizations; and a legendary community icon with over 35 years of local service and activism. Hosted by NBC4’s Tracee Wilkins, the Awards program took place Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. during the annual Holiday and Dessert Social at the Honfleur Gallery in downtown Anacostia, D.C.

MEDIA COVERAGE:

::  The Washington Post: R.E.E.L. awards local activists

:: ThatKellieGirl Blog: Distinguished Service Awards

:: The Washington Informer Article

:: Media release on Award Recipients

:: Media release on Host Tracee Wilkins

EXTRA:

:: Awards Program Book

“We are proud to honor these amazing individuals and organizations,” said r.e.e.l. President Charles Wilson, “They each illustrate the great work underway in our community that often goes unnoticed. Each of them are more than deserving of this Award and so much more.”

Sponsored by the William C. Smith + Co, ARCH Development Corporation and Honfleur Gallery, the 2011 Inaugural Distinguished Service Awards are given to individuals or organizations that have had significant impacts East of the River through service and outreach endeavors. Recipients have demonstrated a sustained commitment to r.e.e.l.’s mission of engaging and empowering the community including neighborhood investment, volunteerism, education, service to youth and families, increasing access to healthcare, wellness care, and healthy foods and raising environmental awareness in our communities.

The Awards selection committee, comprised of r.e.e.l. members, reviewed more than 15 nomination packets received at www.reeldc.org in November 2011.

Here are the 2011 recipients:

• The Ward 7 Award recipient is Christina Henderson for outstanding service to inner-city youth and her work with local organizations and national leaders to provide a refuge and resource center for the local community through the efforts of the Southeast White House.
  
  
• The Ward 8 Award recipient is Jackie Lashley Ward for her dedication and commitment to the Ward 8 residents through her incredibly selfless role as a constituent services specialist in Councilmember Barry’s office.

• The Ward 8 Honorable Mention Award goes to Parklands Community Center (website) for working to improve the quality of life of low-income and disadvantaged families through mentoring, parenting workshops and community-side substance abuse prevention programs.
  
  
• The East of the River Award recipient is Annie E. Casey Foundation (website) for their extensive development and support of several East of the River initiatives and non-profits that have improved the lives of countless Ward 7 and 8 residents and communities.

• The Volunteer of the Year Award recipient is Bernard Suber (website) for demonstrated and sustained commitments to r.e.e.l.’s mission and objectives and for outstanding service on the Leadership and Engagement Committee (LEC).

The organization has issued two special honors this year:

• The 2011 Board of Directors’ Award recipient is Kellie Armstead (website), chair of r.e.e.l. Leadership and Engagement Committee, for her immense dedication, commitment and service to River East Emerging Leaders and the greater community.
  
  
• The 2011 Presidential Award recipient is Philip Pannell (website) for his nearly four decades of stalwart passion, dedication, service and commitment to East of the River, the District of Columbia, and more recently, the River East Emerging Leaders.

“These unsung heroes are often the first to respond to challenging situations in our communities,” said Troy Donte’ Prestwood, Awards coordinator and r.e.e.l. vice president. “When I see communities cleaned up; youth that didn’t become statistics; or a disadvantaged mother and child get back on their feet, I think of these incredible honorees.”

The annual Holiday Dessert and Social takes place from 7-10:00 p.m. with the Awards program featured from 7:30-8:15 p.m. Community leaders, elected officials, local residents, organizations and businesses from Wards 7 & 8 and beyond will be in attendance. The greater community is welcome to attend and new-member registration will be available at the onsite.

The Awards

The Distinguished Service Awards will recognize and honor outstanding individuals and/or organizations that have made a significant impact on the East of the River community through service and outreach efforts in 2011.

The exceptional efforts by East of the River residents, educators, businesses and others often go unnoticed as they much prefer to work silently and behind the scenes. But they are making a difference in people’s lives and in the communities we call home. The annual Awards will serve as r.e.e.l.’s recognition and appreciation for their service, commitment and dedication East of the River. 

Definition of Outstanding Service:

Recipients of the r.e.e.l. Distinguished Service Awards have demonstrated a sustained commitment to the organization’s mission of engagement and empowerment in the East of the River community through a variety of channels, including but not limited to, neighborhood investment, volunteerism, education, prevention of crime and youth violence, increased access to healthcare and wellness care, improved options for better food nutrition and security, and raised the awareness of environmental concerns—each with a unique focus on Ward 7 and Ward 8 communities.

r.e.e.l. Distinguished Service awardees exemplify one or more of the following characteristics:

• Engage in the creation, organization, and/or mobilization of volunteers, groups and resources that are involved in projects benefiting the greater community.
• Demonstrate sustained commitment to meeting community needs.
• Utilize unique and creative approaches to meeting needs.
• Develop and foster the virtues and skills of civic engagement and social responsibility.

2011 Award Categories:

• Ward 7 Individual/Organization/Business  - making a difference in Ward 7
• Ward 8 Individual/Organization/Business  - making a difference in Ward 8
• East of the River Individual/Organization/Business  - impacting Wards 7 and 8
• Top Volunteer  -  member(s) that has demonstrated a sustained commitment and dedication to the organization’s mission and activities
• Board of Directors' Award
• Presidential Award

All finalists will be notified in advance, and winners will be announced during the week of the Awards ceremony, which will take place during the 2011 Holiday Dessert Social on Thursday, December 15, 2011.