An inclusive community is one that welcomes diversity, sees the value of all its members and embraces change for the benefit of all who are a part of it. At Walton Options, we strive to create an inclusive community for persons with disabilities in all of our service areas. And we know that we are not alone in our efforts.
2017 Celebration Luncheon
This year’s Community Awards Celebration Luncheon was held on Wednesday, October 25 from 10:30 AM until 12:30 PM at the Legends Club in Augusta, GA. Like last year, the Luncheon was designed to not only honor the Nominees and Winners, but provided a networking opportunity for the community leaders and innovators. Barclay Bishop was once again our host and presenter. Our special guest speaker this year was Jeff Eiseman, the president of the Augusta GreenJackets.
2017 MVP Awards Celebration Lunch Details
Recognition for the community by the community
Across the CSRA there are individuals, businesses, organizations, and a variety of other support networks working to create a community that embraces the spirit of inclusion, independence and equality of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). That is why we started the MVP Community Awards in 2015!
The idea behind the MVP Community Awards comes from the ideals and titles of the ADA. During the celebration of the ADA’s 25th anniversary in May 2015, Walton Options recognized a variety of businesses, organizations from around the CSRA that have given back to persons with disabilities in the community.
We honored ADP for their inclusive employment initiatives and hiring practices, The Wilson Family Y for public accommodations to their programs and facilities, Pam Tucker for her inclusive work with the community government’s emergency services programs, and Georgia Carolina Mobility for their overall services to the disability community providing resources and assistive technology.
Last year, we decided to change the format of the awards. Our original awards in 2015 were decided solely by selection committees but in 2016, we decided to branch out by asking the public to submit nominations for our awards. Public nominations give us the opportunity to learn more about the organizations, businesses and advocates throughout the CSRA.
We also held a MVP Community Awards Celebration Brunch to announce the winners of the awards and bring together the movers and shakers of the CSRA for a networking opportunity. Barclay Bishop of Channel 6 News was our host and Kellie Irving, the Compliance Department Director for the City of Augusta, was our guest speaker. The event was one of the highlights of our year!
Nominations straight from you!
The MVP Community Awards are unique as we are the only Public Awards in the CSRA designed to honor those who are working towards an inclusive community for persons with disabilities. And every year we need your help! If you know an organization, business, advocate, support group, government official/group/office, or anyone else who is working within the community for persons with disabilities – we want to hear about it when nominations open.
This year, we combined the Inclusive Employment, Community Government Award, and Public Accommodation & Communications Award categories to create the Inclusive Community Award. In addition to this award, we also honored Outstanding Service Organizations and Outstanding Individual Advocates. Nominations are now closed for the 2017 Awards, but check back next year for updates on when nominations will open.
By submitting a nomination, you are acknowledging the Terms & Conditions of the MVP Awards.
2016 Celebration Brunch
The MVP Community Awards brought together the movers & shakers of the CSRA on November 3, 2016 at the Legends Club in Augusta. Fifteen finalists and members of the Walton Options staff were among the 130 attendees at last year’s awards. It was a great day for the finalists, winners and all of our guests.
2016 MVP Awards Celebration Brunch