The Manhattanville College Clark Scholars and Clark Center Director Craig Donnelly were among the 35 individuals and community organizations honored by Pamela’s Big Heart Foundation during the U.S President’s Volunteer Service Awards and Fundraising Gala in Reid Castle at Manhattanville. The award was presented by Pamela’s Big Heart Foundation, a certifying organization of The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation through the AmeriCorps Program.
The award recognizes the important role of volunteers in America, honoring those whose service positively impacts and who inspire those around them to take action that also impacts their communities. Upon receiving the award, Donnelly commented that the honor “truly exemplifies the commitment and dedication of our Clark Scholars and the bond they share with our 200 community partners.” He added, “I am so thrilled to receive the distinguished U.S. President’s Volunteer Service Award. It makes me feel so grateful and blessed to be among these honorees.”
Close to 1,000 students participate in service projects as part of Manhattanville’s Clark Scholars each year for a total of 30,000 hours of service. Pamela’s Big Heart Foundation is a non-profit organization in Yonkers, NY, that works to better the lives of underserved youth.
Among the attendees at the event were NYS Majority LeaderAndrea Stewart-Cousins; NYS Senator Shelley Mayer; Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano; Yonkers Councilwoman District 2 Corazon Pineda; Former County Legislator District 15 Ruth Walter; Maddie Cheatham, founder and head of Pamela’s Big Heart Foundation. Other highlights included a fashion show by Chokomode, a fashion line by Marcelle Gakam and a musical performance by Anisha Lovemore and her church band.
Organizations honored:
914 Cares
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc
Bombas Giving Team
Caribbean Girls Mission Of Hope
Manhattanville College Clark Scholars
Teens Under Construction
Yonkers Rotary Club
Yonkers Sanctuary Movement
Individual honorees:
Honorary Award Gail Baxter
Angela Bailey
Pamela D. Cheatham
Ghia Clark
Dr. Alika Crew
Dr. Alexandria Connally
Adonis Crosby
Dwanita Crosby
Craig Donnelly
Ana Hercules
Yocasta Jimenez
H.E. Grace-Ann Johnson
Corinna Kerber
Subomi Macaulay
Miriam Minor
Shatika Parker
Rev. Joel Polo Jr.
Kyle Skipper-Pugh
Arthur Roldan
Rev. Dr. J. Loren Russell
Diana Sanchez
Kisha Skipper
McKenzie Cheatham-Walker
Rev. Mary Ann Watkins
Ray Wilcox
Mae E. Williams
