Hundreds will gather virtually to celebrate the individual and collective efforts to address the most pressing needs of our community
In celebration of what makes the Greater Washington region truly remarkable, the Greater Washington Community Foundation has announced the honorees for its upcoming Celebration of Community Champions on Thursday, May 20, 2021.
The virtual Celebration will uplift and honor several local Heroes for their exceptional efforts to help our community navigate the pandemic and economic crisis.
CareFirst workers delivering PPE.
Corporate Hero: CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
For committing to distributing 1.6 million units of PPE at no-cost to nonprofit health centers and independent providers on the frontlines of the pandemic.Community Hero: Feed the Fight
A community-driven, volunteer effort with a dual mission to support local restaurants and provide meals to healthcare and frontline workers.
Food for Montgomery volunteers distributing food at a food distribution site.
Collaborative Hero: Food for Montgomery
A public-private effort to coordinate and expand food distributions, support local farmers and small businesses, and improve food systems to combat food insecurity in Montgomery County.
Civic Heroes
For demonstrating outstanding civic leadership and service dedicated to improving the lives of Prince George’s County residents.Dr. Monica Goldson, CEO, Prince George’s County Public Schools
Steve Proctor, President and CEO, G.S. Proctor & Associates, Inc.
Dr. Alvin Thornton, former chairman, Prince George’s County Board of Education
Senator Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr., in memoriam
While 2020 was an incredibly challenging year, the generosity and commitment of our community has been nothing short of incredible. Since the early days of this crisis, our community has stepped up to provide much needed support and resources to help our neighbors facing hardship due to COVID-19.
The Community Foundation was proud to partner with and serve this community during its time of need. Since March 2020, The Community Foundation has mobilized over $10.5 million in community support to help families put food on the table, keep a roof over their heads, access medical care, find or maintain a job, and fully participate in remote learning.
The Celebration of Community Champions will honor the generosity of our community and help The Community Foundation continue to raise vital support to respond to this ongoing crisis and work toward an equitable recovery for our region.
“Small actions can add up to make our community a better place,” said Tonia Wellons, President and CEO of the Greater Washington Community Foundation. “Over the past year, our community has come together to respond to the unprecedented challenges of a global pandemic, economic crisis, and racial reckoning. This virtual Celebration will recognize and honor the people and partners who stepped up to meet these challenges with equally unprecedented generosity, creativity, and compassion.”
The Celebration will feature special performances from local artists and arts organizations supported by the Arts Forward Fund and representing a range of creative expression including music, theater, visual arts, and dance. The Arts Forward Fund is a funder collaborative at The Community Foundation which provided $1 million in emergency support to help struggling arts organizations, especially nonprofits led by and serving BIPOC communities in our region.