March 30: Norfolk Mayor Among VCIC’s 2017 Tidewater Humanitarian Awardees

NORFOLK
The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities will host its 53rd presentation of the humanitarian awards on Thursday, March 30, 2017, at the Westin Virginia Beach Town Center. The awards celebration honors individuals and organizations for making significant humanitarian contributions to the South Hampton Roads community.

The 2017 Tidewater Humanitarian Awards Recipients are Norfolk Mayor Kenneth C. Alexander with more than two decades in public service; Kim S. Fink, community activist and leader; Caroline W. McCartney, a top selling Realtor; James K. Spore, first president and chief executive officer of Reinvent Hampton Roads, following 24 years of service as city manager of the City of Virginia Beach; Craig S. Wansink, Professor of Religious Studies, Virginia Wesleyan Colege.

The 2016 Tidewater Distinguished Merit Award Recipient is the The Hands United Building Bridges (HUBB) whose purpose s to connect religious leaders in Hampton Roads for the common purpose of strengthening our diverse community, searching for a common ground through building bridges that connect humanity. HUBB has involved nearly 60 faith leaders from around the area in dialogues, as well as some leaders of faith-based organizations and members of law enforcement. They meet every four to six weeks and have discussed topics ranging from education to community policing and from understanding Islam to approaches to poverty. This organization is led by Rabbi Jeffrey Arnowitz and Dr. Antipas Harris.

The Humanitarian Awards are presented annually in communities across the state by the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities. Begun in Tidewater in 1965, when the organization was part of the National Conference of Christians and Jews, the Humanitarian Awards honor individuals and organizations who have demonstrated a commitment to the promotion of respect and understanding among people of diverse racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.

The 2017 VCIC Tidewater Humanitarian Awards dinner is being chaired by Charles V. McPhillips, partner with Kaufman & Canoles, P.C.

For 82 years, the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities has been addressing prejudices, in all forms in order to improve academic achievement, increase workplace productivity, and enhance local trust. Today through workshops, retreats, and customized programs, VCIC works with schools, businesses, and communities to achieve success through inclusion.
For more information about the organization, go to www.inclusiveVA.org.