2019 Mark J. Benjamin Impact Awards Program

Now Accepting Nominations for 2019 Mark J. Benjamin Impact Awards

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.

The HRC Santa Monica Bay Area is pleased to announce the call for nominations for the

2019 Mark J. Benjamin Community Impact Awards Program

The goal of the HRC’s Mark J. Benjamin Community Impact Awards Program is to recognize individuals who, through their behavior and commitment, are role models for a respectful and socially just community and whose involvement with community organizations as a volunteer contributes to and impacts building an inclusive community. Our honorees are people who:

(1) Promote understanding within our diverse community,
(2) Take actions that make a difference, and
(3) Demonstrate compassion for others.

Our program is named for Mark Benjamin – a true hero who gave generously and thoughtfully in support of our community. He exemplified who Studs Terkel described when he wrote, “Heroes are not giant statues framed against a red sky. They are people who say: This is my community, and it is my responsibility to make it better.”

On May 26, 2013, the HRC board honored Mark Benjamin, President and CEO of Santa Monica-based Morley Builders for his thoughtfulness and generosity in supporting the work of the HRC. On September 29, 2013, Mark lost his life in a tragic accident.

We invite you to participate in the MJB Community Impact Awards Program by nominating someone who represents both your organization’s mission and the HRC’s goals.  Please complete the Nomination Form and submit to hrcimpact@gmail.com.

The Nominations Period is from May 1, 2019 through June 14, 2019. All nominations must be submitted by 5:00 pm on June 14, 2019 via email to: hrcimpact@gmail.com.

Robert F. Kennedy observed, “Each time a person stands up for an ideal or acts to improve the lot of others…he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current.”

The HRC believes it is the sum of the modest, ongoing activities of many that lead to enduring change. Too often, these efforts go unrecognized. The HRC is asking you to help us identify members of our community who are making a significant impact and allow us to bring their work to center stage.

If you have questions, please check out our website: hrcsantamonica.org/impact or contact by email: hrcimpact@gmail.com

Mark J. Benjamin Community Impact Awards
Honoring “Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things”

Awardees will be honored at a special event on the evening of September 11, 2019.