Do you know someone who has provided outstanding service to Minnesota’s disability community? Do you know an organization or group of volunteers that go above and beyond the call of duty? Do they deserve recognition?
Access Press can help with that. Access Press reminds readers that we’re waiting for your Charlie Smith Award nominations. The deadline is June 30, so there’s no time to waste. Past nominees can be submitted again. The award application is online, at www.testing.accesspress.org Otherwise, call the newspaper office at (651)644-2133 to receive a form by mail or if you need accommodations in submitting a name. The online form can also be printed out and mailed or faxed to the office.
The newspaper board will review the nominations in July and select a winner in August. Read about the winner in the September issue of Access Press. Registration for the banquet will start in September and close Oct. 25.
Past winners of the award are:
2010 -Steve Kuntz,Minnesota DEED
2009 – Anne Henry, of the Minnesota Disability Law Center
2008 – Pete Feigal, Co-Founder of Tilting at Windmills
2007 – Jim and Claudia Carlisle, People Enhancing People
2006 – John Smith, University of MN
2005 – Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MNCCD)
2004 – Rick Cardenas, Co-Director of Advocating Change Together (ACT)
2003 – Margot Imdieke Cross, Minnesota State Council on Disability
Also, remember to save the date of Friday, Nov. 4 for the annual Charlie Smith Award Banquet. Every year Minnesota’s disability community celebrates its accomplishments and honors a person, group or organizationfor outstanding service. It is a fun and well-attended event.
This year’s banquet will again be held at the Minneapolis Airport Marriott in Bloomington. The Access Press Board of Directors and staff are busy planning the event, which includes a silent auction and raffle, as well as a delicious meal, music and the awards ceremony itself.
The award is named for the newspaper’s founding editor, the late Charlie Smith Jr. He was a longtime disability community activist and journalist. A variety of event sponsorship options for the banquet are available, including table sponsorships and sponsorships for those who could not otherwise afford to attend the event. Contact Dawn at 651-644-2133 or dawn@testing.accesspress.org for sponsorship information.
