Latest news with #UnsungHeroAward
Associated Press
01-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
In the Limelight: Moses Henry
By Wayne Thompson Who Moses Henry, Community Mortgage Loan Officer for Regions Mortgage. What One of the first recipients of the 'Unsung Hero Award' from Habitat for Humanity of Jacksonville (Florida) Why In 2017, Regions Mortgage Production Manager Jim Branch helped Habitat for Humanity of Jacksonville (also known as HabiJax) develop its first third-party lending program, and Henry proved that the program could work by helping more than 50 residents finance homes worth nearly $6 million. That freed up cash Habitat reinvested to build even more affordable homes and widen its service area to include two additional Northeast Florida counties — further increasing access to homeownership. Since then, the innovative lending approach has become a model for other community lenders and Habitat chapters. Regions was the first bank to partner with us as third-party lenders, and Moses Henry and Jim Branch were THE guys that figured out how to do Folds, chief community partnerships officer for HabiJax Chris Folds, chief community partnerships officer for HabiJax, believes third-party lending is why HabiJax was one of the only Habitat affiliates in the nation to increase production in 2024, building 44 new homes. 'Regions was the first bank to partner with us as third-party lenders, and Moses Henry and Jim Branch were THE guys that figured out how to do it,' Folds said. 'Moses' knowledge about lending to low- to moderate-income clients is second to none. 'It's very doubtful that we've had been able to increase production in 2024 without third-party mortgages, which Regions wrote the book on,' he added. 'Moses is one of our community's most valuable minds on the subject of affordable housing, and when you combine that with his generous heart, you have someone who has made a real difference,' Folds said. 'He is an Unsung Hero because he helped us pioneer new approaches to lending that have made HabiJax much more sustainable. He's a treasure!' In His Own Words 'I feel extremely blessed to be a part of something I love doing,' said Henry, who joined Regions Mortgage in 2013. 'I'm also blessed to work for a bank like Regions with such great programs and a commitment to help people that may otherwise not realize the dream of homeownership. 'I enjoy working with low- to moderate-income families and helping put them on the path of creating generational wealth and particularly leading homebuyer education workshops,' Henry said. 'It's wonderful to see people who came in feeling homeownership was beyond their reach leave knowing it's attainable.' Discover another group of associates who recently made a difference for Habitat for Humanity. Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Regions Bank
Irish Independent
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Wexford musical societies hit all the right notes at AIMS national awards
The Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS) 'provides a voice to musical theatre in Ireland" and holds an annual awards night to honour the efforts of societies across six regions. Amongst the winners last weekend was the Wexford Light Opera Society, Enniscorthy Musical Society, the North Wexford Musical Theatre, Oyster Lane Theatre Group, and the Carnew Musical Society. The Enniscorthy Musical Society were ecstatic to come home with the award for Best Visual for their performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and were recognised for a Special Adjudicators Award. PRO for the society Emily Boyne said they were grateful to be nominated overall for three awards; Best Visual (Costumes, Props, Hair and Makeup), Best Male Singer for Richard O'Toole as Joseph and the Adjudicator's Special Award for their cast of eleven brothers. "It was a fantastic experience. Even to be nominated is such incredible recognition for all the hard work that went in to 'Joseph.' The show was a huge success, with standing ovations every night, and even more than one on a few occasions and we were so delighted to see it's success recognised nationally with the nominations,' she said. She explained that 26 members attended the event, which they see as a great occasion to celebrate talent from across Ireland while meeting their fellow musical peers. "I think the cheers when Enniscorthy Musical Society was announced as the winner of the Best Visual Award could be heard all the way in Enniscorthy. The Visuals of a show can make it or break it and we are so thrilled to have been recognised in such an important category. ' "Richard and the eleven brothers were runners up in their categories, both of which were tough categories with incredible talent on stage alongside them. We're so proud of them for all their hard work, and know their futures are so bright, it definitely won't be their last time on that stage as nominees,' she added. The Carnew Musical Society were over the moon to see member Jacinta Kavanagh receive the Unsung Hero Award. Chair of the society, Lorna Doran McEvoy, described Jacinta as the true cornerstone of their society and a champion of amateur musical theatre. "Jacinta joined Carnew Musical Society in 1990 for our production of 'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers' and while she may not have had an onstage wedding that year, she has enjoyed a happy 35 year marriage to Carnew Musical Society ever since!' she said. With many roles in the society, she has served as the treasurer, leader of fundraising activities, and pro costume designer while off the stage. "Jacinta is a costume powerhouse having led our costume team with passion and dedication since 1996, always working long hours behind the scenes to ensure each and every character and chorus member is costumed in accordance with the production team's vision and that the fit and detail for every costume is the best it can be. It is not unusual to find Jacinta taking home costumes during show week to wash them and to organise any necessary repairs - while simultaneously preparing floats for front of house. Jacinta always juggles her duties with grace and humour.' "In every action, Jacinta champions the values at the core of AIMS - passion for performance, selfless service, community spirit, and unwavering support for others. She lifts others up, leads by example, and inspires through her quiet, consistent excellence,' she added. The Oyster Lane Theatre Group took home the Best Stage Management (Colin Murphy) award and was recognised as third place in Best Overall Show for A Christmas Carol (Gilbert Section). PRO Freya Murphy said the wins held particular significance as they reached a milestone anniversary in the club. "These achievements are a true testament to the exceptional talent, commitment, and heart shown by everyone involved in this unforgettable production. From our dedicated cast and crew to the countless volunteers working behind the scenes, your passion and professionalism brought this Irish premiere to life in spectacular fashion.' "This recognition is made even more meaningful as it coincides with our 30th anniversary year. To have our milestone production celebrated on a national stage is something we will cherish forever.' She highlighted that their success would not have been possible without the support they have received from the community and loved ones. "Thank you to every single person who had any involvement in getting 'A Christmas Carol' to the stage, committee, cast, chorus, crew, production team, sponsors, audience members, without all of you the show would not go on. You were all part of making it possible to place third Best Overall Show in Ireland and are so very proud,' they said. The North Wexford Musical Theatre were equally chuffed to win Best Ensemble for the 'Left Behind' scene in Spring Awakening (Gilbert Section). The group had a wonderful time at the festivities, where they mingled and celebrated the wide array of talent in the musical scene of Ireland. "We're so proud to stand alongside so many talented societies, massive congratulations to all winners, nominees, and every single person who brought a show to life this season. What a community to be a part of!' Rounding out Wexford's stellar weekend, The Wexford Light Opera Society took home Best Technical and Best Musical Director (David Hayes) for Young Frankenstein (Gilbert Section). "Huge thanks to everyone who supports us. Nights like these mean the world to us!' they said. Mayor Catherine Walsh, who is also a member of the Association of Irish Musical Societies National Council, extended her congratulations to all the groups in 'proving Wexford leads the way as always in the Arts.'
Daily Record
23-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Kirkcudbright Scout undergoing brain tumour treatment receives Unsung Hero Award
Hazel Dempster was one of just 20 young Scots from across the UK chosen to receive the accolade from Chief Scout Dwayne Fields. A Kirkcudbright Scout who is being treated for a brain tumour has received one of the movement's top awards. Hazel Dempster was chosen to receive an Unsung Hero Award from Chief Scout Dwayne Fields at the organisation's home in London's Gilwell Park. She was one of just 20 young Scouts chosen out of 475,000 Scouts from across the UK to receive the award, which recognises acts of outstanding bravery and selflessness. She said: 'I'm surprised and proud at receiving Dwayne's heroes award. It was great to meet him and talk with him.' The citation for Hazel's nomination read: 'Hazel is an amazing young person, a fantastic young leader who takes time to engage the quieter Scouts and includes everybody helping them to do their best. 'Hazel has been receiving treatment in recent years for a brain tumour, going through chemotherapy and now a newer form of treatment, but through this, she continues to carry on with Scouts and making a difference to other young people. She doesn't let her treatment stop her. 'She enjoys helping out, comes up with creative ways to help make Scouting as enjoyable as possible for the Scouts whilst also gaining leadership and teamwork skills. 'She also regularly takes it upon herself to fundraise for the Kirkcudbright Scout group, baking to raise donations, taking part in larger bake sales as well as helping at fundraising stalls.' The Unsung Heroes Award is a coveted personal achievement which recognises the amazing skills and endeavours of young people across the Scouts community – from Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and people in the Scout Network. The winners were nominated by Scout volunteers for their outstanding bravery and leadership in the community, showing skills and qualities which are learned by being part of the Scouts and subsequently taken through life. Winners were chosen by an experienced panel of Scout Ambassadors led by the Chief Scout, Dwayne Fields. He said: 'A huge congratulations to the winners of this remarkable award for acts of courage and selflessness in the community. Being part of the Scouts provides young people with skills they take with them through life, and the stories of these young people represent the highest form of Scouting values. 'I want to thank you for your dedication and celebrate what is a truly outstanding achievement.'
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The BCRF Hot Pink Party Breaks Fundraising Records
A crowd bedecked in every shade of pink gathered at The Glasshouse in New York City yesterday evening for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF)'s annual Hot Pink Party, raising more than $11 million—a new record for the event. The BCRF is the largest private funder of breast cancer research worldwide, and has raised more than a billion dollars since its founding by Evelyn Lauder in 1993. The evening celebrated the immense progress made by researchers in those three-plus decades, with breast cancer death rates falling more than 40 percent. But with diagnoses increasing in young women and federal funding for science threatened, the message was clear: Private philanthropic giving to the cause has never been more important. Jersey Mike's founder and CEO Peter Cancro and his wife, Tatiana, received the Evelyn Lauder Spirit of Philanthropy Award, given to 'a visionary individual, family, or organization whose altruistic impact profoundly improves the lives of others.' In September, Jersey Mike's sponsored a national advertisement in support of BCRF and donated 20 percent of sales over the course of two days, raising $4.4 million. From the stage, the couple stunned BCRF President and CEO Donna McKay with the surprise gift of another $2 million. (Guests also went home with a free Italian sub from Jersey Mike's, in the event of any post-gala munchies.) Kate Williams, a lawyer and breast cancer survivor, was honored with the Roslyn and Leslie Goldstein Unsung Hero Award for her support of Marcella Kelson, who was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer only four months after the birth of her second child. Williams, who had been through a similar diagnosis but never met Kelson in person, provided unwavering support by phone and text as Kelson went through 16 rounds of chemotherapies, 14 rounds of immunotherapy, 20 rounds of radiation, and a lumpectomy. Both friends are now cancer-free. 'Let's not lose sight of the fact that both of us are here to raise our kids and enjoy all this beautiful life has to offer, because of research,' Williams wrote in an Instagram post about the honor. The night was hosted by actress and model Elizabeth Hurley, who attended with her son Damian, and also featured remarks from BCRF Scientific Director Larry Norton, M.D. and actress Toks Olagundoye. (The Frasier star shared her breast cancer story with ELLE last October.) Other attendees included Imaan Hammam, Vera Wang, Nia Long, Misty Copeland, Katie Thurston, Gloria Estefan, and Tokyo Rose, who manned the DJ booth. ELLE editor-in-chief Nina Garcia served as a co-chair of the event. The evening concluded with an intimate performance of songs and stories by Sting. The singer and musician spoke movingly of his mother, a nurse who died of breast cancer in 1988. 'She was only 54; she wasn't diagnosed until it was too late. At the time, there was so much fear and inexplicable sense of shame around this disease that women were paralyzed to inaction,' he said, before announcing a $250,000 BRCF endowment for research in his mother's name. 'I am so pleased, as she would be as a nurse, that something in her name would help other women avoid the tragedy that overtook her.' You Might Also Like The 15 Best Organic And Clean Shampoos For Any And All Hair Types 100 Gifts That Are $50 Or Under (And Look Way More Expensive Than They Actually Are)
Belfast Telegraph
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards 2025: How to enter and nominate your local champions
We want your nominations from people from every county who have gone above and beyond for others, excelled in their field, shown immense bravery or overcome great adversity in life. Now established as the biggest ceremony of its kind, the gala night at the Culloden Estate and Spa in Cultra, Co Down, continues to attract some of the biggest names in showbiz and sport to add some sparkle to the occasion. The event is all about recognising everyday people who achieve extraordinary things. Last year, those in attendance to pay tribute to our finalists and winners included First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly. Ms O'Neill said: 'It's such a great event to celebrate what is so good out there across our society. There are so many people who do such amazing things all around us, who just get on with it, and they don't get rewarded, so it's such a positive thing. 'It's an opportunity to celebrate what is amazing about Northern Ireland and the people and what they do.' Ms Little-Pengelly added: ' It's about celebrating unsung heroes and the incredible things they do. Northern Ireland is made up of incredible people who do incredible things every day, so it's fantastic to be here to celebrate it.' The winners on the night last year included Young Carer Bláthnaid Girvan. The Lurgan girl is a carer for her sister Nessa, who is 11 and has a number of complex conditions that affect her mobility, co-ordination and vision. Another winner was Donna Magennis, who took Spirit of Health. She formed a unique and special bond with a boy named Jonathan, who was born with a rare connective tissue disorder. She has even inspired Jonathan's mum to retrain as a paediatric nurse and regularly checks in to help with her studies. Roy McNaught was named winner of the Unsung Hero Award after turning his love of music into a force for good, setting up Kids in Need Charity Promotions. Super mum Gillian Clarke, the Caring Spirit Award recipient, moved heaven and earth to care for daughter Kathryn, who was diagnosed with a rare type of tumour at a young age. Gillian stepped down from her full-time job to provide around-the-clock care. Aaron Kerr was named winner of the Overcoming Adversity Award. The 26-year-old lives with cerebral palsy, uncontrolled epilepsy, a rare chromosome disorder, renal failure and is a full-time wheelchair user. But Aaron is known for living his best life and, together with his parents, has been taking part in marathons across the UK and Ireland as Team Kerr. To date, they have over 50 marathon medals in their collection, having smashed the 2024 London Marathon at the end of April, and raised thousands of pounds to help fund specialist running chairs for other athletes with complex needs. Ciara Laverty, from Maghery, Co Armagh, was crowned winner of the Eco Champion Award for her work as a ranger at Lough Neagh, which has been at the epicentre of an environmental crisis after green algae began to blanket the water. Our Spirit of Sport award winners were Cathy Booth and Andrea Harrower. The sisters, who have both lost loved ones to pancreatic cancer, took on a gruelling challenge to fundraise for Northern Ireland's only pancreatic cancer charity, NIPANC. Pedal the Periphery saw Cathy and Andrea cycle 480 miles in just 48 hours and have raised over £100,000 for pancreatic cancer research. Una Burns of Charlie's Bar in Enniskillen took away the Community Hero Award last year after tackling the topic of loneliness and helping the pub to become a global sensation thanks to their heartwarming Christmas advert which went viral and usurped the likes of John Lewis, Marks & Spencer and Sainsbury's. Anne Graham was the winner of the Charity Champion Award for her 12 years of work with victims of human trafficking in Northern Ireland. Along with husband Michael, she helped found the NI office of the Victims of Slavery Support Service with the charity Migrant Help. The service has grown from supporting a handful of victims at any one time into current support of over 350 individuals, many of whom have fled violent trafficking ordeals overseas. Last year's 999 Hero honour went to the RNLI for helping hundreds of people involved in incidents at sea every year. We had two Spirit of Youth winners. Since she was six years old, Jasmine Parker has collected thousands of Easter eggs and delivered them to children in hospitals across the province. Singing sensation Isla McManus (11) from north Belfast has autism, but has shown the world how amazing people with autism and other neurodiverse disorders can be through her work with Autism NI. Fred Brown (75), winner of the 2024 Spirit of Education Award, is a tutor with Include Youth, an organisation providing education for children and young people who have not had a positive experience with mainstream education. Students of Methodist College were named the winners of the Special Recognition Award, springing into action when classmate Oliver collapsed to the ground after suffering a cardiac arrest during a game of rugby. The students got a teacher who began administering CPR, before a classroom assistant arrived with a defibrillator, which they kept going until an ambulance crew took over. The Outstanding Contribution Award was presented to broadcasting legend Pamela Ballantine for her work on cancer awareness. The UTV presenter inspired many when she opened up about her cancer diagnosis. It is individuals and groups like these that we want you to nominate for a Spirit of Northern Ireland Award this year. All of our categories are listed here today, including awards for Unsung Hero, Charity Champion, Community Hero, Young Carer, 999 Hero, Spirit of Health, Spirit of Education, Spirit of Youth and Spirit of Sport. We have sought people who have demonstrated a spirit of compassion, neighbourliness, charity, courage or devotion, or those who have gone beyond the call of duty in the fields of education, the emergency services, the caring sector, health or sport. The awards ceremony will be held at Culloden Estate and Spa on Friday, June 20. It will be hosted by UTV's Sarah Clarke and Cool FM's Pete Snodden, with the radio station also media partner. Terry Robb, head of personal banking at Ulster Bank, said they were delighted to be backing the awards yet again to pay tribute to heroes across our community. He said: 'Both Ulster Bank and the Belfast Telegraph/Sunday Life share a passion for championing communities, bringing people together, and celebrating local heroes. This is why we are so proud of our continued association with the Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards. 'The awards give us the opportunity to say a big thank you to the many groups and individuals who make such a valuable difference to everyday life here and give them the recognition they so richly deserve. 'Over the years, we have been honoured to meet incredible sports coaches, teachers, nurses, charity fundraisers and volunteers, and I'm sure this year's entrants will be just as inspiring.' Awards founder and Sunday Life and Belfast Telegraph deputy editor-in-chief, Martin Breen, said: 'We want you to tell us about the heroes in your life and local community in every corner of Northern Ireland. 'The success of these awards is down to each and every person who nominates someone for recognition, so I would urge everyone to let us know about those people who have made such a positive impact to the lives of others. Let us give them the recognition they truly deserve.' Cool FM breakfast show host Pete added: 'The awards are always an incredible occasion, bringing together outstanding individuals and businesses across Northern Ireland. 'It's a privilege to host again and see Cool FM continue to be part of such a fantastic celebration. 'What makes the night so special are the stories behind the winner. Every year, I'm blown away by their achievements, and I can't wait to meet them all.' You can nominate at spiritofniawards@ telling us why that person or group deserves an award. The closing date for nominations is May 6 The Categories CHARITY CHAMPION (sponsored by Kingsbridge Private Hospital Group) – An individual who has worked tirelessly for a charity as a volunteer or as a fundraiser for many years, making a difference through their work. SPIRIT OF EDUCATION - A truly inspirational teacher, lecturer, classroom assistant or another key figure in education, who has helped children and young people fulfil their potential. UNSUNG HERO (sponsored by The Boulevard) – An individual whose great deed or deeds have previously gone unnoticed but who has made a major contribution to your life or to your community. CARING SPIRIT (sponsored by Power NI) - A person who has dedicated their time to caring for a friend or family member. YOUNG CARER (sponsored by Punjana) - A person under the age of 18 who has dedicated their time to caring for a friend or family member. SPIRIT OF YOUTH (sponsored by Better) - Someone under the age of 18 who should be recognised for their special achievements. SPIRIT OF SPORT (sponsored by A Aesthetics) - Someone who has made an exceptional contribution to sport over a number of years. This can be an inspirational coach, a club volunteer, or someone who has helped others participate in sports. 999 HERO (sponsored by Four Star Pizza) - A member of the emergency services or group from the emergency services who has gone above and beyond the call of duty in their job. SPIRIT OF HEALTH (sponsored by Balmoral Healthcare) - A medical professional who has gone the extra mile to improve the health and wellbeing of their patients and their families. ENVIRONMENTAL HERO (sponsored by Metcollect) - An individual or community group that has gone the extra mile to care for and protect the local environment. Whether it's organising litter picks, campaigning for cleaner water, or encouraging future generations to recycle, we want to honour this volunteer for their work. OVERCOMING ADVERSITY (sponsored by Coca Cola HBC Ireland & Northern Ireland) - Someone who has overcome huge personal challenges, whether it is dealing with illness or disability, or overcoming problems. COMMUNITY HERO (sponsored by nearby) – Someone who has made an outstanding contribution to their local community and made their neighbourhood a better place to live. OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION (sponsored by Ulster Bank) - This award recognises an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to Northern Ireland and its local communities, creating a lasting impact, driving positive change and embodying the true spirit of Northern Ireland. This award can be chosen by the judges from any entries in the awards.
