HOUSTON, TX – August 9, 2023 – Houston Random Acts of Kindness, Inc. hosted its ninth annual Houston Humanitarian Awards gala recognizing the efforts of local and national individuals who have had a positive and indelible impact on the city of Houston and the nation through acts of kindness that promote compassion and unity.
The gala was held at the Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria Hotel on Sunday, July 23, 2023, in collaboration with Fox26Houston. The prestigious red-carpet event showcased humanitarianism at its finest and cast a well-deserved spotlight on honorees who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to service and have positively impacted the community.
The Annual Houston Humanitarian Awards celebrates those who seek to make our world a better place. ”We are thrilled to partner with Fox26Houston to highlight the stories of individuals and honor their dedication to kindness and service” said David and Treveia Dennis event organizers and founders of Houston Random Acts of Kindness Inc.
Honorees are recognized for their outstanding achievements in a vast array of categories including but not limited to: Community Outreach, Healthcare Advancement, Education, Environmental Stewardship, Disaster Relief and Recovery, Volunteerism, Philanthropy and Service, and Social Justice Advocacy.
The 2023 honorees were Willie Powells lll, Pastor Keion and Shaunie Henderson, Tina Knowles-Lawson, Reggie and Leigh Smith, Donna Cole, Mya Smith-Edmonds, Gary Dante, Nelly Quijano, Gordon Quan, and Dr. Rod and Stephanie Paige. The evening included special recognitions and awarded Thomas “Nephew Tommy” Miles with the Florene Ivory Dennis Heroic Heart Humanitarian Award and Dr. Eric “the HipHop Preacher” Thomas with the National Humanitarian Award. Mayor Sylvester Turner was honored as a legendary humanitarian, and the Sylvester Turner Legendary Humanitarian Award was established in his honor to recognize future recipients.
Dr. Eric “The Hip Hop Preacher” Thomas expressed words of gratitude by stating, “Thank you for seeing me” as he accepted his award.
Tina Knowles-Lawson stated, “I am honored to receive this award. I encourage everyone to do what you can for your city and community”. She is a huge supporter in Houston helping the homeless community and those displaced after national disasters.
The Annual Houston Humanitarian Awards have been bestowed upon several philanthropists, advocates and changemakers. Previous honorees include Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Houston Crime Stoppers founders Dave and Laura Ward, philanthropist Dr. Carolyn Farb, Texas EquuSearch founder and director Tim Miller, entrepreneur and philanthropist Taseer Badar, Second Servings founder Barbara Bronstein, philanthropist Rogene Calvert, entrepreneur and philanthropist Allan Helfman, and Bishop Leroy Woodard, Jr. Founders David and Treveia Dennis responded when asked about the first national honoree, “It was an honor to recognize Shaquille O’Neal as our first National Humanitarian honoree.”
Stellar gala performers have included Academy Award-winning and multiple Grammy-winning singer Regina Belle, Magician Lucy Dong, Chris Walker, the new lead singer of Maze, world renowned pianist Jeff Franzel and singer Rickey Davis, and Sugar Land Dance Group.
Notable attendees included Houston Mayoral candidate John Whitmire, Congresswoman and Houston Mayoral candidate Sheila Jackson-Lee, Honorary Consul of Republic of Guinea at Southern News Group Wea Lee, Houston Rockets Ambassador and former Houston Rocket Moochie Norris, Ambassador and former Houston Texan Jonathan Wells, Texas State Representative Alma Allen, and McDonald’s restauranteur and entrepreneur Harry Smith, Denise Bentham and Hazel Smith.
Support from sponsors Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria Hotel, Bethel’s Heavenly Hands and Rachel Allan reaffirms their commitment to the wellbeing of our community.
The awards ceremony streamed live on Fox26Houston, further emphasizing the media outlet’s commitment to shed light on actions that positively impact the city of Houston. The purpose of the event is to not only award the honorees, but also inspire viewers to participate in acts of kindness within their own communities.
Houston Random Acts of Kindness Inc. Foundation accepts nominations to celebrate the unsung heroes whose compassion and dedication have touched countless lives and shaped the very essence of Houston’s humanitarian spirit. Nominations for the Annual Houston Humanitarian Awards, including national honorees, are open to the public. Finalists and winners are selected by a distinguished panel of community leaders and experts who carefully review and make final award determinations. The process operates with transparency and fairness in tandem with ethical guidelines, to acknowledge those who have truly made a difference.
About the Houston Random Acts of Kindness Inc. Foundation:
The non-profit organization, Houston Random Acts of Kindness Foundation Inc., was established to foster a culture of generosity, empathy, and unity within the city of Houston. The fundamental belief of the foundation is that random acts of kindness have the power to transform lives for the better, thereby creating an empowered community where residents feel seen, heard, and valued. In addition to the Annual Houston Humanitarian Awards, the foundation hosts purpose-focused events year-round, including the Jets and Jackets Blue Carpet Christmas fundraiser, in-school incentive “RAK” rooms, Houston Random Acts of Kindness and HPD North Division Fall Festival and act of kindness distribution of more than twenty washing machines and air conditioning units to assist elderly residents of the Cuney Homes housing community.
For media inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or to nominate a candidate for the Annual Houston Humanitarian Awards, please visit www.AnnualHHA.com
About Fox26Houston:
Fox26Houston delivers high-quality programming and trustworthy journalism to viewers as a leading news and entertainment channel. This year’s partnership with the Houston Random Acts of Kindness Inc. Foundation’s 2023 Annual Houston Humanitarian Awards further highlights their dedication to supporting local communities.
For additional information about the 2023 Annual Houston Humanitarian Awards or to schedule an interview, please contact Tiffany Parker at tiffanyparkerpr@gmail.com or 281-939-4169.
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