Nominations Due Aug. 14 For CORE Foundation's Community Hero Awards

RESTON, VA — Do you know an organization or an individual who has provided heroic philanthropy and made a difference in the Reston Community? Here's your chance to nominate them for a CORE Community Hero Award.

CORE will be announcing its five Community Hero awardees at its Giving Gala on Oct. 1. The deadline for nominations is Aug. 14. Nominations can be submitted online.

This will be 16th year that CORE has honored charitable projects that have served societal needs, built community, and enabled positive change, according to a CORE release.

“One of my favorite nights of the year is when we come together as a community to recognize the incredible work individuals, groups, and organizations are doing to make a difference," said Doug Bushée, CORE Foundation founder and board chair, in a release. "There are so many worthy and distinguished volunteer leaders in our community, and it will be exciting and inspiring to see the valuable work this year’s nominees have done to earn such coveted awards."

With the theme of “A Night Among the Stars,” the 2022 Giving Gala will take place at the Reston Community Center - Hunter Woods. The event will feature a live jazz performance, silent auction, and raffle. Guest will also be able to taste and sip food and beverages from local restaurants, breweries, and wineries. Tickets are available at: www.corefoundation.org/gala2022

Past Community Hero Awardees include:

CORE Cause Impact Award

• Amy's Amigos BeAMYazing Reston Youth Triathlon (2019)
• Helping Hungry Kids (2020)
• Swim Team Dads (2021)

COVID-19 Impact Award

• "Desk Dream Team" (2020)
• Essentials for Education
• Desks for Distance
• Woodworking with a Purpose

Community Partners Award

• Atlantic Union Bank (2019)
• BARE Snacks (2019)
• YMCA Fairfax County Reston (2020)
• Restoration Church (2020)
• USA Triathlon Foundation (2020)
• The Bike Lane (2021)
• Volunteer of the Year Award
• Mark Moody (2022)

Community Heroes Award

• Raba Letteri (2019)
• Anna Gibson (2019)
• Meg Donnelly (2019)
• Lake Anne SUP Triathlon (2019):
• Steve Gurney, Elizabeth Edelman Kamp, Melissa Berkemeier Romano
• Mary Cackling (2019)
• Allison McCue (2020)
• Susie Livingood (2020)
• John Schaller (2020)
• Amy Shaw (2022)
• Change the World For Girls (2022)
• Dannielle LaRosa (2022)
• Lydia Russo (2022)

Suzanne Zurn, who serves on the boards of the Reston Historic Trust & Museum and Celebrate Fairfax, chairs the 2022 CORE Giving Gala and Community Heroes Awards.

To learn more about the CORE Giving Gala and Community Hero Awards, visit the website at corefoundation.org or contact Executive Director Taralyn Kohler at tkohler@corefoundation.org.