Paying It Forward
The Bernie L. Bates Foundation, Inc., in collaboration with the George Mason University College of Science, hosted the 3rd Annual Privilege Awards and Community Recognition Celebration on Sunday April 14, 2024, at the elegant George Mason University Center for the Arts Concert Hall. This annual celebration serves as a beacon of light, acknowledging the invaluable contributions of volunteers from a multitude of service-oriented organizations that support the Fairfax County community. These volunteers selflessly dedicate their time and talents to provide essential services to those in need, embodying the ethos of compassion and service epitomized by the late Colonel (Retired) Marion L. “Barney” Barnwell a former “Lord Fairfax” honoree. With approximately ten members of the Barnwell family in attendance, the celebration serves as a poignant tribute to Barney’s enduring legacy of selfless service and his “Pay it Forward” mentality.
The celebration commenced with a vibrant reception, showcasing the remarkable achievements of our twelve “Pay it Forward” honorees who tirelessly work for and represent the ten organizations they serve. These organizations, include the Gum Springs Community Center, New Hope Housing, Inc., PATH Outreach Homeless Center, Fort Belvoir Elementary School Family Market, Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, INOVA Mount Vernon Hospital, Fort Belvoir Religious Services, Rebuilding Together Arlington/Fairfax/Falls Church, The Lamb Center, and the Capital Area Food Bank, all represent the heartbeat of community service, enriching the lives of countless individuals.
As the George Mason University Jazz trio provided a melodious backdrop, attendees had the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, sharing insights and forging new connections aimed at furthering the collective mission of service and support within the Fairfax County community. Among the esteemed honorees, Ms. Vivian Brown of the Gum Springs Community Center stood out and was selected as the 2024 recipient of the prestigious Bernie L. Bates Foundation, President’s Privilege Award. Ms. Brown's dedication to serving the Fairfax County community spans over a decade, marked by her exemplary leadership and unwavering compassion.
Her myriad of community contributions range from organizing the annual back-to-school drives and community Thanksgiving dinners to providing strategic guidance as a member of the Gum Springs Community Center Advisory Board. Beyond her organizational roles, Ms. Brown's personal initiatives, such as crocheting hats for those in need during winter, embody the essence of paying it forward with empathy. In honoring individuals like Ms. Brown, the Privilege Award Celebration not only recognize outstanding service but also inspires a collective commitment to fostering a more equitable and compassionate society. As we reflect on this year's celebration, let us recommit ourselves to the enduring principles of service, empathy, and community, ensuring that the spirit of Marion Barnwell lives on through acts of kindness and generosity.
In addition to honoring community members, those in attendance were greeted by Jeffrey C. McKay, Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors who served as the celebration’s keynote speaker. His address eloquently highlighted the profound impact of volunteerism, drawing upon his personal experiences shaped by his grandmother's unwavering commitment to community service in the Mount Vernon and Franconia areas. He emphasized how this upbringing instilled in him a deep sense of duty, ultimately guiding him towards public service and advocacy for initiatives such as the One Fairfax policy. This policy, a collaborative endeavor between the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and School Board, underscores the county's unwavering commitment to social and racial equity everywhere. It champions the principle that every resident deserves an equitable opportunity to thrive, irrespective of background, area of residence or circumstance. Integral to this commitment is the deliberate investment in increasing local housing availability, spearheaded by organizations like Cornerstones and the Fairfax County Office to Prevent and End Homelessness (OPEH). Their efforts align seamlessly with the overarching goal of the “One Fairfax” resolution—to create an environment where all residents can "live, learn, work, and play" with equitable access to opportunities for prosperity.
Comments