Local Initiatives Support Corporation’s Milwaukee chapter on Wednesday announced a roster of 15 finalists in the running for the 2016 MANDI Awards.
The 17-year-old program – which stands for Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development – calls attention to central city neighborhood revitalization efforts in the city.
Sponsored by U.S. Bank, the program salutes individuals, organizations and corporations making a hands-on impact throughout neighborhoods in need.
The finalists “represent the future of our city,” Laura Bray, executive director of LISC Milwaukee, said in a press release.
“The MANDIs provide an opportunity to celebrate Milwaukee’s diverse neighborhoods and the many passionate, committed people working together to create a better future for themselves, their families and their communities,” Bray said.
Each finalist was selected by a 40-member independent volunteer committee that vetted public nominations. Winners will be named at a March 16 gala, to be held at Potawatomi Hotel and Casino.
Finalists, announced during a reception held at Company Brewing in Riverwest, are:
The “Brewers Community Foundation Public Space Award” highlights a public space that helps build the community – Moody Park Revitalization, Milwaukee County Parks & Partners; Open Doors, Historic Milwaukee, Inc.; and Turtle Park, River Revitalization Foundation.
The “BMO Harris Cornerstone Award” honors an organization for its commitment and effectiveness over time – COA Youth & Family Centers, Northside Housing Initiative, and Safe & Sound.
The “Northern Trust Navigator Award” praises an individual for leadership and collaboration – Larry and Sharon Adams, founders, Walnut Way Conservation Corp.; Rodney Bourrage, Sr., founder and executive director, Operation DREAM; and Dick Larsen, community volunteer and retired president, Larsen Electric.
The “PNC Bank Trail Blazer Award” applauds an innovative approach to a community issue – ACTS Housing, Foreclosure Reclamation Project; Rebuilding Together Greater Milwaukee; The Wisconsin Cycle, First Stage.
The “State Farm Building Blocks Award” honors a real estate project that advances the community – Maskani Place, Heartland Housing; Paper Box Lofts, Sherman Associates; and St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care-Bucyrus Campus, St. Ann Center.
LISC also gives out the “Wells Fargo People’s Choice Award,” which honors a winner of a social media voting contest. All finalists are eligible for the award.
