Every day, neighbors do thousands of good deeds to support our community. Many of those go unrecognized, but they were recognized at the 14th annual Good Neighbor Awards.
The event was organized by the Riverside Neighborhood Partnership (RNP). It was held in downtown Riverside at the Old Spaghetti Factory on Saturday, Oct. 17.
The Riverside Neighborhood Partnership is a nonprofit organization that facilitates community engagement and seeks to improve the quality of life in Riverside. This year marked the 14th annual awards ceremony.
The event also featured a raffle and silent auction. Proceeds supported community outreach, advocacy and neighborhood programs organized by the Riverside Neighborhood Partnership.
Jessica Qattawi, president of the Riverside Neighborhood Partnership, emphasized the importance of recognizing individuals who make a difference in their communities.
“I always say that you don't need a title to be a leader. You don't need to hold an elected position to make a difference,” Qattawi said.
She praised the dedication and generosity of the individuals nominated for the awards.
“These are people who give their time, their energy, and sometimes even their own resources to help others,” she said.
Qattawi also highlighted the importance of supporting neighborhood leaders and encouraging community involvement.
“We believe that strong neighborhoods create strong communities. We believe that when neighborhood leaders are supported, informed, and connected, they can accomplish incredible things,” she said.
She explained that supporting community volunteers is central to the organization's mission.
“And that's why RNP exists: to support the people who are out there supporting everyone else,” Qattawi said.
Qattawi also acknowledged the contributions of all the individuals nominated for this year's awards.
“To every single person who was nominated this year, whether you receive an award tonight or not, I want you to know something: you are already a winner in our eyes,” she said.
“Because the work you do matters so much. Your efforts matter, and Riverside is a better place because of you,” she added.
The award winners included Janis Binam, who received the Erin Snyder Environmental Steward Award; Goldware Goldfish, who received the Neighborhood Spirit Award; Celia Reed, who received the Neighborhood Hero Award; and Margie Tadwilliams, who received the Jack B. Clarke Sr. Good Neighbor Award.
According to the Riverside Neighborhood Partnership's website, the Jack B. Clarke Sr. Good Neighbor Award honors people whose passion, skills and gifts are willingly shared with the community.
The Neighborhood Hero Award honors individuals who may not live in the neighborhood or city but whose efforts, time, energy and passion help people in the neighborhood.
The Neighborhood Spirit Award recognizes a group or organization that fosters connections, creates opportunities for people to get to know one another and encourages neighbors to share their skills and talents for the benefit of the community.
The Erin Snyder Environmental Steward Award honors a Riverside resident who has worked to create a more sustainable community.
Tadwilliams is involved in several civic activities, including coordinating weekly food deliveries to seniors, low-income families and unhoused neighbors through Casa Blanca Home of Neighborly Service.
She also partners with Casa Blanca Elementary School to provide free backpacks, shoes and school supplies and organizes Thanksgiving turkey giveaways and Christmas drives.
Tadwilliams also works with several civic organizations and agencies, including the Riverside City Council, Riverside Police Department, Riverside Fire Department, Love Riverside and Overflow Farms.
Tadwilliams expressed her gratitude for the support she received from the community.
“Being able to go back to this community has been the desire of my heart. And so, the help from the community, our church members, and just everyone around who really wanted to help — I want to thank everybody,” Tadwilliams said.
