REEL Honors Unsung Leaders with Service Awards

WASHINGTON - Sept. 23, 2014 - PRLog -- River East Emerging Leaders (r.e.e.l.) has announced the recipients of the 2014 REEL Distinguished Service Awards for outstanding service and dedication to the East of the River community. Recipients includes two individuals that have built community and political movements from the grassroots level, an organization working to assist the chronically unemployed find work, and a group dedicated to raising the hopes and dreams of area young people. We Act Radio’s Kymone Freeman will host the Awards program Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2014 at the Anacostia Playhouse beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The annual Awards are given to individuals or organizations that have impacted East of the River communities 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, and raising environmental awareness.

“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 is more than deserving of this Award and so much more.”

The competition was tough this year. The Awards selection committee, comprised of r.e.e.l. members, reviewed more than 12 nomination packets received at www.reeldc.org this summer. Here are their results:

The 2014 REEL Distinguished Service Awards recipients:

:: Ward 7 Individual Award recipient is Phillip Hammond for his dedication and commitment to civic and grassroots leadership in Ward 7.

:: Ward 7 Organization Award recipient is Beautiful You Yes U for their dedication to raising the hopes and dreams of young people in Ward 7 and throughout the city.

:: Ward 8 Individual Award recipient is Salim Adofo for his dedicated service and outreach efforts to residents and youth in Ward 8.

:: Ward 8 Organization Award recipient is Ward 8 Workforce Development Council for their efforts in training and preparing qualified Ward 8 residents for family-sustaining jobs and careers.

:: Board of Directors’ Award recipient will be announced and honored during the awards program.

The organization will also unveil a new award category that will open next year to honor the life and legacy of the late Albert “Butch” Hopkins—the longtime president and CEO of the Anacostia Economic Development Corporation (AEDC). Butch was an early supporter of r.e.e.l. He played major roles in developments all across the city, but made his greatest impact East of the Anacostia River.  The Albert “Butch” Hopkins Legacy Award will be reserved for an East of the River individual or organization that has demonstrated Butch’s passion, dedication, service and commitment to the community.

“These unsung heroes are often the first to respond to challenges in our communities,” said Troy Donte’ Prestwood, r.e.e.l. cofounder and Awards coordinator. “When I see our neighborhoods turned around, citizens exercising their democratic right to vote; or young people reaching to new heights despite overwhelming odds, I think of these incredible honorees.”

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 2014 REEL Awards were made possible by the William C. Smith + Co; Four Points, LLC; Prestwood Public Relations; Industrial Bank; Anacostia Playhouse; and Uniontown Bar & Grill.

Previous REEL Award Recipients:

:: Ward 7 - Christina Henderson of the Southeast White House

:: Ward 8 - Jackie Ward

:: Ward 8 - Parklands Community Center

:: East of the River - Annie E. Casey Foundation

:: Volunteer of the Year - Bernard Subar

:: Presidential Award - Philip Pannell

:: Board of Directors - Kellie Armstead-Didigu


ABOUT RIVER EAST EMERGING LEADERS
Conceived by a group of urban professionals and community activists from Washington, D.C.’s Wards 7 and 8 communities, the River East Emerging Leaders (r.e.e.l.) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created to engage and empower the East of the River community by strengthening bonds between residents, businesses and government; stimulating interest in East of the River neighborhoods, and fostering dialogue that leads to solutions for community growth and investment. To learn more about r.e.e.l visit www.reeldc.org.