Honorees from a group of 22 finalists were revealed at the 26th Annual Best of Reston Awards Gala recognizing the great body of work of the many fine people, businesses and organizations involved in giving back to the greater Reston/Dulles corridor.
Presented in partnership for 26 years, by Cornerstones and the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce to raise funds for Reston’s premier nonprofit social services organization while showcasing community and corporate involvement.
Funds raised through this year’s Best of Reston event support Cornerstones’ strategies of starting individuals on a pathway to sustainable living-wage employment, and to identify and address other barriers to move from surviving to living prosperous, healthy lives.
Photos are available at https://mccreaphoto.smugmug.com/Events/Best-of-Reston-2017/ and http://jessicamontephotography.zenfolio.com/p283508535.
The evening began with a performance by the The Reston Chorale of Feeling’ Groovy.
Phil Tobey (2001 Best of Reston Honoree) returned as the Master of Ceremonies.
The 2017 Cornerstones of our Community, Best of Reston Community Service Awards Gala Chairs are both former Best of Reston Honorees:
Charlene Wheeless, Bechtel (2016 Best of Reston Honoree)
Doug Bushee, CORE Foundation (2013 Best of Reston Honoree)
2017 Best of Reston Honorees (in order of presentation):
The first award of the evening was the Small Business Leader award and was presented to CST Group, CPAs, PC for making quiet contributions that count.
Women Giving Back accepted the Civic-Community Organization Award for helping women dress for success no matter where they are on life’s journey.
Wolf Trap Foundation also accepted the Civic-Community Organization Award for sparking creative fires for lifelong enrichment of children.
Odin, Feldman and Pittleman, P.C. received the Large Business Service Award for their belief that if you do what is right, then you have done what is best.
Bill Keefe was presented the Individual Community Leader Award. His generous gifts of time, talent and treasure and lifelong devotion to this community make him the quintessential Restonian.
Vincent and Gillian Sescoe were presented the Family Service Award. Knowing that self-sufficiency begins with self-confidence these two teach by example with love.
The Vade Bolton – Ann Rodriguez Legacy Award was presented to Herb Williams-Baffoe. Given to only three individuals since its inception, this award honors acts of volunteerism and leadership that motivate and inspire a new generation of leaders and create a legacy of service. Herb was recognized because he inspires us all, and shows the power of believing in our youth and what that does for their self-belief.
The final award of the evening, the Robert E Simon Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Vicky Wingert. For her lifetime commitment to Reston values, for cementing the legacy of Bob Simon and for capturing the history and future of Reston.
Click below to learn about all of the finalists:
Civic and Community Engagement, Volunteerism through Nonprofit Service
Large Business, Employee-Owned and Small Business
The new process of recognizing finalists affirms the principles of Cornerstones and the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce to engage others, promote corporate social responsibility and the many fine people, businesses and organizations involved in “giving back” in greater Reston/Dulles corridor.
About The Cornerstones of Our Community – Best of Reston Awards: this annual gala and networking event, now in its 26th year, is a unique partnership between the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce and Cornerstones, honoring those who have demonstrated significant contributions to the greater Reston/Dulles Corridor region through their philanthropy and volunteerism. Proceeds from the celebration benefit the programs and people served by Cornerstones.
Photos from the 2017 Sneak-Peek Reception, hosted by Leidos, are available at Chip McCrea Photography.
Click here to view the list of Best of Reston Honorees 1992-Present.
Highlights from the 2016 Best of Reston Community Services Awards
English