The Connection

On Feb. 9, Leidos hosted a Sneak-Peek Reception where 22 finalists were announced as candidates for the Cornerstones of Our Community - 2017 Best of Reston Awards. These people, businesses and organizations were selected from among a pool of nominations, and the chosen honorees will be revealed at the April 6 Awards Gala.

The Cornerstones of Our Community – Best of Reston Awards annual gala and networking event, now in its 26th year, is a partnership between the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce and Cornerstones, honoring those who have demonstrated significant contributions to the greater Reston/Dulles Corridor region through their philanthropy and volunteerism. Proceeds from the celebration benefit the programs and people served by Cornerstones. Sponsorship information for this year’s April 6 Awards Gala can be found at www.cornerstonesva.org/BOR.

One or two 2017 Best of Reston honorees could be selected in each of the following categories and will be announced at the April 6 Gala:

Individual or Family Service Category: The finalists in this category have given selflessly of their time for the causes about which they are passionate, and in so doing make the community stronger. Their volunteer service has spanned decades of service in encouraging children and youth, nurturing them and giving them the confidence and opportunity to grow and pursue their dreams. These candidates have tackled tough challenges such as childhood obesity, hunger and homelessness, and are mentoring adults who want to build their skills and find meaningful work to support their families and community. Their service has enriched the community through the arts and in creating and sustaining natural spaces, and lending their talents to plan for Reston’s future. Through their active civic and community participation they have extended a welcoming hand to immigrants in the spirit of inclusiveness on which this community was founded.

Finalists include: Robert Goudie, Vernon and Kathy Joyner, Bill Keefe, Shreya Papneja, Maggie Parker, Bob Schnapp, Vincent and Gillian Sescoe and Herb Williams-Baffoe.

Civic and Community Engagement, Volunteerism through Nonprofit Service Category: The finalists in this category engage the community by turning beliefs into action, promoting the common good and creating impact in ways that many may not realize. These finalists have touched the lives of individuals and families, empowered children and youth, enriched and beautified our community through celebration of the arts, the joy of giving, and engaging the next generation of leaders.

Finalists include: Herndon Community Leo Club Youth, Omicron Kappa Kappa, The Reston Chorale, Touching Heart, Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, Women Giving Back.

Large Business, Employee Owned and Small Business Category: The achievements of the business finalists include strengthening advocacy for health and human services, education, veterans and their families, schools, children and future leaders. By partnering with the schools they bring resources to enrich children’s academic experience and open their eyes to new possibilities for the future. The struggles of working families in the community are personal to them, and they have championed causes that address hunger, ensure safety, and create avenues of support for those with differing abilities. Their contributions are building a strong, sustainable community for all.

Large Business category finalists include: JK Moving Services, Navient, Odin, Feldman, and Pittleman, P.C., SOSi.

Employee Owned and Small Business category finalists include: SpeedPro Imaging Northern Virginia, Storycatcher Productions, Synergy Design & Construction, and The CST Group.

At the Sneak- Peek Reception, Leidos announced that it is expanding its commitment to Cornerstones, to Reston and to the greater Dulles Corridor by partnering with Cornerstones as the first Annual Champion Partner. Melissa Koskovich, senior vice president, and director of marketing and communications for Leidos presented Cornerstones with a check of $100,000.

Cornerstones has reached out to 250,000 neighbors in need, helping them overcome tough economic times in an already high cost-of-living region. For more information, visit www.cornerstonesva.org or call 571-323-9555.

Since 1982, the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce has been the catalyst for business growth and entrepreneurship by providing quality programs, education, connections and advocacy for its 650 members and organizations in Western Fairfax and the Dulles Corridor. Learn more at www.RestonChamber.org or call 703-707-9045.