Asheville Honors Local Heroes at People of Action Gala

News Summary

The Rotary Club of Asheville celebrated its second annual People of Action Gala at the Renaissance Hotel. The event honored local leaders for their impactful community service, raising funds to support the Rotary Club Foundation’s various initiatives. Attendees enjoyed an evening recognizing individuals dedicated to making a difference in Asheville across various areas including education, health, and the environment.

Asheville Celebrates Local Heroes at the People of Action Gala

On a delightful Thursday evening in Asheville, the Rotary Club held its second annual People of Action Gala at the Renaissance Hotel. The event, which took place from 6 to 9 p.m., was all about honoring the incredible folks in the community who exemplify a vital principle: service above self.

This year, the gala saw a fantastic turnout as the club recognized outstanding local leaders who have made a significant impact in various crucial areas. Attendees were treated to an inspiring night that not only celebrated the achievements of the honorees but also served as a reminder of the power of community service.

Spotlight on Local Leaders

The gala featured seven remarkable individuals and organizations, each representing a key area of community impact. These honorees are not just names on a list; they are passionate changemakers deeply dedicated to making a difference in Asheville.

• Peace-Building and Conflict Resolution: Dr. Oralene Simmons has been the driving force behind the MLK Prayer Breakfast in Asheville since 1982. With attendance now exceeding 1,000, she fosters unity and understanding in the community.
• Disease Prevention and Treatment: Dr. Shannon Dowler stands out as a family physician and public health leader, particularly noted for her work in STD education and her pivotal role in transitioning North Carolina Medicaid to managed care.
• Water Sanitation and Hygiene: The Asheville Water Resources Department had a moment in the limelight for its stellar response to restoring potable water after Hurricane Helene. The award was graciously accepted by Water Resources Director David Melton.
• Maternal and Child Health: Dr. Amy Marietta is making waves at MAHEC’s Project CARA, significantly improving prenatal health outcomes for women with substance use disorders while also reducing infant mortality rates.
• Basic Education and Literacy: For over 33 years, Marta Alcalá has championed literacy and educational equity as the Executive Director of Equity for Asheville City Schools, making a lasting impact on young lives.
• Economic and Community Development: Jeffrey Kaplan, leading Venture Asheville, has been at the helm of initiatives that create high-growth jobs, recently securing $1 million in economic recovery funds.
• Supporting the Environment: Lang Hornthal, Co-Executive Director of EcoForesters, has dedicated himself to restoring and conserving over 100,000 acres of Appalachian forests through sustainable forestry practices.

More Than Just a Gala

The event was not merely an awards night; it also served a greater purpose. Funds raised during the gala will go directly towards the Rotary Club of Asheville Foundation. This foundation plays a critical role in the community, providing scholarships, honoring local teachers and first responders, protecting the French Broad watershed, and even supporting international humanitarian projects in countries like Guatemala, Honduras, and Argentina.

The Rotary Club of Asheville itself is a service club boasting over 165 engaged members from all walks of life. These dedicated individuals work collaboratively to address local, national, and international challenges, making it a vital part of the community.

As the evening concluded, the sense of camaraderie and inspiration echoed in the air. The People of Action Gala not only recognized the extraordinary contributions of local leaders but also ignited a call to action for all attendees to get involved and give back to the community. After all, when it comes to making a difference, every action counts!

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Additional Resources

• Tribune Papers: People of Action Gala
• Wikipedia: Rotary International
• Tribune Papers: People of Action Gala 2024 Overview
• Britannica: Community
• Tribune Papers: Community Service Leaders of Asheville
• Google Search: Community Service