February 15, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Announcing the 2017 Mark J. Benjamin Community Impact Award Winners to be Honored by the Human Relations Council Santa Monica Bay

The Human Relations Council of the Santa Monica Bay Area (HRC Santa Monica) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2017 Mark J. Benjamin Community Impact Awards. The winners will be feted on Thursday, April 27 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at the Santa Monica Bahai Center.

Named after long-time HRC Santa Monica board member and former Morley Builders CEO Mark J. Benjamin, the awards recognize those individuals who volunteer their time to promote understanding among diverse people, take actions that make a difference and demonstrate compassion for others.

The 2017 Mark J. Benjamin Community Impact Award winners are Judi Barker, Neil Carrey, Elizabeth Cruz and Steve Vielhaber. Here’s a brief note on each honoree:

For over 30 years, Judi Barker has been an active volunteer, leader and supporter of numerous organizations including the Santa Monica Police Activities League, Santa Monica Family YMCA, Santa Monica History Museum, Santa Monica Airport Association and the Santa Monica Kiwanis Club.

Neil Carrey has been active in nonprofit and civic organizations since 1968, serving as a volunteer and in various leadership roles with the League of Women Voters of Santa Monica, Vista Del Mar, Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, Santa Monica Youth Athletic Foundation and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

Elizabeth “Liz” Cruz has been active in the Pico Neighborhood of Santa Monica, where she was born and raised, and continues to be a leader as the Vice Chair of the Virginia Avenue Park Advisory Board, a mentor to parents, youth and families through Familias Latinas Unidas and Charla y Joyeria, and a community builder through her work with residents at Community Corp of Santa Monica.

Steve Vielhaber has served for many years as a volunteer at Chrysalis, helping homeless individuals prepare to find employment and return to lives of self-sufficiency. He has served as a program volunteer working directly with clients, as well as in leadership roles on three board committees – Finance, Programs and Development.

The Human Relations Council Santa Monica Bay Area is a non-profit organization that promotes a culture of fair treatment, inclusion and equal access to opportunities. It is led by an all-volunteer board of directors who represent residents, business, non-profit organizations, faith congregations and local government.

The awards presentation will take place on Thursday, April 27 at the Santa Monica Bahai Center, 3102 Colorado Boulevard, Santa Monica. Street parking is available along with parking at the Westside Christian Fellowship Church. There will be a buffet dinner at 6:00 pm and the awards presentation begins at 7:00 pm. The event is open to the public but RSVPs are required. Please RSVP to: https://humanrelationscouncilmarkjbenjamin.eventbrite.com

Mark Benjamin awards

in News
<>Related Posts

Country Club Donates $1M for Palisades Recovery

February 14, 2025

February 14, 2025

The club has encouraged members and partners to contribute to an established fund The Riviera Country Club has pledged $1...

UCLA Suspends Pro-Palestinian Student Groups Following Protest at UC Regent’s Home

February 14, 2025

February 14, 2025

Chancellor Cites Potential Student Code Violations; Student Groups Reject Allegations UCLA has suspended two pro-Palestinian student organizations following a protest...

Black History Greens Festival to Celebrate Community Legacy of Virginia Avenue Park

February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

The free community event is part of Santa Monica’s Black History Month celebrations, with the 2025 theme, “Roots and Reflections:...

Flash Flood Warning Issued for Burn Areas, LAFD Officer Swept off Road by Debris

February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

Storm Damage Closes Pacific Coast Highway, Officials Urge Caution Not even members of the LAFD are being spared from the...

Film Review: Love Hurts

February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

FILM/ REVIEWLOVE HURTSRated R83 MinutesReleased February 7th Valentine’s Day is written all over this movie. Love Hurts seems to be...

New Map Tracks Palisades Cleanup Progress, Identifies Phase 1 and Phase 2 Areas

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

New interactive map helps residents track debris removal progress as officials emphasize unprecedented cleanup speed A newly released interactive map...

Santa Monica Hotel Event Space Offers Affordability, Accessibility

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Elevate Your Events with Versatile Venues and Exceptional Service Coastal stays and eclectic event spaces don’t have to be expensive....

Santa Monica Arson Suspect Arrested After String of Fires Across City

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Authorities used aerial drone technology to assist in the investigation A man was arrested Saturday in connection with a string...

Tai Chain to Donate Santa Monica Grand Opening Proceeds to Wildfire-Affected Restaurants

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

The restaurant’s U.S. presence began in Arcadia, Calif., in 2000, and has since expanded to 17 locations  Din Tai Fung,...

SMMUSD Makes Rain-Related Announcement About Malibu Schools This Week

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Road Closures and Flood Warnings Force the School District’s Hand All four public schools in Malibu will be closed on...

(Video) The Willows Students Bring a 50-Foot Dragon to Life Through Art and Teamwork

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Kristy Acero, The Willows DK-4th Grade Art teacher, led her students in a large-scale, collaborative project, with each grade creating...

Man Sues Famous Marina del Rey Bar for Alleged Assault

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

The plaintiff is seeking compensatory and punitive damages By Zach Armstrong A patron has sued Brennan’s Pub in Marina del...

Phase 2 Debris Removal Underway in Palisades, Officials Tout Historic Recovery Speed

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Residents Urged to Submit ROE Forms as Crews Accelerate Debris Removal Efforts Crews have begun Phase 2 of debris removal...

Powerful Storm to Bring Heavy Rains, Possible Debris Flow to Los Angeles

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Officials Warn of Risks, Urge Residents to Prepare for Severe Weather A Pacific storm system is expected to bring widespread...

One of Palisades’ First Black Homeowners Seeks Support After Fire Destroys Home

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

Now displaced, she faces uncertainty in finding stable housing Nearly $42,000 has been raised for Louvenia Jenkins, a 97-year-old woman...