FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Donna Gentry
gentryevents@gmail.com
310.990.4284
Announcing the 2018 Mark J. Benjamin Community Impact Award Winners
To be Honored by the Human Relations Council Santa Monica Bay
SANTA MONICA, CA, April 9, 2018 – The Human Relations Council of the Santa Monica Bay Area (HRC Santa Monica) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2018 Mark J. Benjamin Community Impact Awards. The winners will be feted on Thursday, April 26, 2018, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Santa Monica Baha’i 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 2018 Mark J. Benjamin Community Impact Award winners are Victoria Roshanzamir, Larry Arnstein, and Celine Bundy-Kahn. Here’s a brief note on each honoree:
Victoria Roshanzamir has volunteered with the Santa Monica Baha’i Center for the past 15 years. The Center’s management and maintenance is a product of love and attention Mrs. Roshanzami dedicates to the Center. Mrs. Roshanzamir spends an average of 50 hours a month ensuring the Center is open and accessible to members of the community, whether for a special event of for the Baha’i Center’s Holy day events. Mrs. Roshanzamir also provides great care to the Santa Monica Baha’i Community in times of personal loss and need.
Larry Arnstein has served as a weekly volunteer at The People Concern (formerly OPCC) for over 26 years. Mr. Arnstein serves as an Access Center volunteer, welcoming each homeless guest as they arrive at the Center. Each individual Mr. Arnstein interacts with, no matter their circumstance or background, is treated with dignity and understanding. He is a model example of empathetic and lasting service to a diverse community.
Celine Bundy-Kahn serves as a volunteer at Chrysalis, an organization to assist low-income and homeless individuals to create a pathway to self-sufficiency. Ms. Bundy-Kahn assists with the bi-weekly Job Preparation 1 class, assisting clients to prepare for, find, and retain employment by highlighting their skills in resumes and through networking. Time and time again, she steps up to ensure clients receive the services and volunteer support required. Ms. Bundy-Kahn also provides financial and strategic support of Chrysalis through her work on the Development and Event Committees.
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 26, 2018, at the Santa Monica Baha’i 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:
###