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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State Rep. Ronald
G. Waters |
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Waters’ eighth annual Community Service Awards Banquet a success
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 21 -- State Rep. Ronald G. Waters, D-Phila./Delaware, said this weekend’s Community Service Awards Banquet at the Renaissance Philadelphia Airport Hotel was a success, and it showed the true meaning of community.
"It warmed my heart to see that over 400 people came out to see their friends, neighbors and family members honored for their service and commitment to the community," Waters said. "Events like these show the pride people still take in their community and we need to continue to build on that service."
Members of the Tuskegee Airmen-Greater Philadelphia Chapter received the "Trailblazer Award." They include: Bertram Levy, Roscoe Draper, Eugene J. Richardson Jr., Pierce T. Ramsey, William M. Cousins, Major John L. Harrison, Henry L. Moore and the late Luther H. Smith. The Tuskegee Airmen was the first African-American flying unit in U.S. military history.
"These men not only served their community but they also served their country," Waters said.
The 2010 Community Service Award recipients are: Michael Basher, Marsha Ellis, Paulette Blackson Royster, Laverne McNear, Gregory Moses, Vincent Grant, Alice Payne, Patrol Officer Adrian Hospedale and Capt. Daniel MacDonald III.
Betty Harris of Betty Harris Homes Inc. received this year’s Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award.
"Our honorees have exemplified the spirit of community service because they care enough to take the time to make a positive difference in the lives of others," Waters said. "They are leaders in their communities, neighborhoods and professions."
Waters, Community Friends Networking Together, Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition, and Creating a Village all partnered to host the event. NBC 10's Lori Wilson was the master of ceremony, and Pennsylvania's first African-American district attorney, R. Seth Williams, was the keynote speaker.
"Not only was this banquet a success but it was also a historical event," Waters said.
Following the ceremony, attendees enjoyed a night of dancing, live music by Philadelphia's band, "Stroke of Midnight," and spoken word provided by poetic artist "Lyssen."
Waters also thanked Brown’s Shop Rite, Crown Cork & Seal, PECO Energy, Keystone Mercy Health Plan, Laborer’s Local District Council of Philadelphia, Verizon, Sunoco, Community College of Philadelphia, Milliron & Associates, PA Amusement, Cement Masons, GMEREK & Associates, Health Partners and Richard Allen Preparatory Charter School for supporting this year's Community Service Awards Banquet and Gala. "This event would not be possible without them," he said.
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