l-r – Angela Barwick, Connie Rubin and Gary Rivers — during a recent visit to the WHBC studios

Coming Together Stark County Administrator Angela Barwick joined Gary Rivers Friday morning to give a summary of last night’s Awards Gala, which was held at La Pizzaria.

Rivers attended the event, which saw 7 individuals and organizations honored for their commitment to diversity.

The evenings most emotional moment came when Angela Barwick received a surprise Spotlight Award at the conclusion of the awards banquet.  Board President Connie Rubin also made a surprise announcement that Angela would be leaving her position at the agency.  Her and her family will be relocating to the Dayton area.

HEAR THE INTERVIEW WITH ANGELA BARWICK

Award Winners were:

Steve Okey –  the John Spitzer Leadership Award. Okey is employed at the Okey Law Firm and is receiving the award for his leadership in the community in the areas of inclusion and diversity.

Allen Schulman – received the Legacy Award posthumously. It is awarded for an individual or organization who has demonstrated a consistent and lasting commitment to inclusion and diversity. His wife accepted the honor on his behalf, and was joined on the dais by other members of Schulman’s law firm.

Ron Ponder, – founding member of Coming Together Stark County, received a Legacy Award.

SARTA  received the Public Service Award for demonstrating commitment and excellence in promoting Coming Together Stark County’s mission.  Kirt Conrad accepted the award on behalf of the organization.

CSE Federal Credit Union received the Diversity Initiative Award for forging new ground in promoting diversity and demonstrating insight and vision.

Andrea Ramsey, with Canton City Schools, received the Martha Lottman Memorial Award for devoting her life to service, generosity and the community’s youth. She is the Equity and Inclusion Coordinator for the Canton City School District.

Betty Smith accepted the Spotlight Award on behalf of her En-Rich-Ment organization.  They received the Award for its recent exemplary service in promoting the ideals of inclusion, diversity and dignity.

The event also featured a silent auction, 50/50 drawing, basket raffles and entertainment by the En-Rich-Ment Drum Corps, Julian and Isabel Curet and Saxy Rob. Reservations are $40 per person. For information, call 330-454-5880 or send a check, payable to Coming Together Stark County, to 408 Ninth St. SW, Canton OH 44707