John Heaphy, left, presents The Community Legacy Service Award to Charles Thomas “The Raven” during Wednesday’s Community Enrichment Dinner at Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center.
Richard Parrish | The Lima News
LIMA — A local non-profit organization hosted hundreds of community members and the Commodores for a night of unity and fellowship. The Community Enrichment Dinner began in 2006 to highlight businesses in the community.
The annual dinner showcases diversity, equity and inclusion.
The theme of this year’s Community Enrichment Dinner is ‘Love Heals All.’
”Sometimes we get so caught up in everything that we are doing and all the differences we bring to the table we forget,” said Jerome O’Neal, CED organizer. “As we come together and respect and love people from different backgrounds let’s also recognize those, particularly in the black community without whose shoulders we wouldn’t be where we are. That was the mission of this dinner.”
In addition to awarding business owners, the CED recognized other small businesses and granted checks from their foundation.
Since the start, the CED has supported the Walter C. Potts Entrepreneur Center. Together, the foundations have raised over $150,000 to financially support local business operations.
Award winner Janya Henderson received a check of $1,022 to aid in her business startup.
“First, I would like to thank God for allowing me to be considered for this award,” said Henderson. “Secondly, I would like to thank the Lima Community Enrichment Dinner for selecting me. I am truly honored to be this year’s recipient. A special thanks go to my parents for always believing in me and giving me the tools needed to succeed.”
The dinner was full of laughter and unity and ended with the Commodores. After the awards are handed out at each year’s event, the CED features a speaker, or, like this year, a musical act.
“I have seen one speaker out of 11 years,” said O’Neal. “I don’t stay for the performance of the CED because I don’t want to lose focus of the mission. The dinner is about allowing people to see others in a different light and walk away with a sense of understanding and respect.”
PHOTOS FROM THE COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT DINNER
PHOTOS FROM THE COMMODORES
2022 Award Winners:
• Community Equity Small Business of the Year – Frank Fisher
• Young Leadership Community Image Award – Thomas ‘TJ’ Smith
• Corporate Leadership in Diversity Inclusion – Rhodes State College
• Community Legacy Service Award – Charles Thomas Raven
• Young Teenage Entrepreneurship Award – Janya Henderson
• Enrichment Social Justice Vision Award – Dr. Derry Glenn
• Rising Business Award – Carlton McLellan
