An enthusiastic crowd filled the Little Carver Auditorium this week to honor ordinary people who are doing extraordinary work every day, making a positive difference in East San Antonio.
Tha1 Radio sponsored the event to recognize the contributions of teachers and preachers, small business owners, and community volunteers.
In all, 21 individuals and businesses were honored with plaques extolling the virtues of diligence, faith, leadership and community. With poetry and music, they shared the joy of a job well done and celebrated the best of a vibrant part of town where bad news often overshadows the good.
“Tonight, we celebrate the people who have given back to our community,” said Neka Cleaver of Tha1 Radio. “They are passionate, they are diligent, and they think outside of themselves.”
The honorees mentor youngsters and feed the homeless and help small businesses grow. They are citizen servants who have been leading and loving the east side for many years. Their message: Everyone can and should be a community builder.
The honorees include:
BUSINESS
Pat Moore
Lamar Utley
Bethany East PR
ENTERTAINMENT
Glo Armmer
Suelema Mendoza
Power Factor
EDUCATION
Anita O’Neal
Tyrone Darden
Delicia Ellis
COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
Melonie Cawthorn
Paul Wilkinson
Shae Morgan
CLERGY MEMBER
Rev. Royce Sullivan
Rev. James and Tina Hudson
Rev. Adam Zarb-Cousin
YOUTH ADVOCATE
Charlie Boyd
Lynn Jefferson
Juan Velazquez
COMMUNITY ADVOCATES
Stephen Lucke of Gardopia Gardens
Akeem Brown of San Antonio for Growth on the Eastside
Sue Calberg of KENS 5
In addition to presenting awards, Cleaver was honored with a token of appreciation from the Raise1Save1 teen girl mentoring program, which is helping young women from Sam Houston High School learn how to become the next generation of powerful community leaders.
While the event honors volunteers, it is a fundraiser as well, with proceeds giving needy kids a better Christmas.
To learn more about outreach efforts by Tha1 Radio, visit them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Tha1Radio/ or on the web at www.Tha1Radio.com.