The Riverside Downtown Partnership, a nonprofit organization that manages Downtown Riverside's Business Improvement District, will honor seven award recipients at its 38th Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony on Feb. 19 at the Riverside Convention Center's Raincross Ballroom.
This year's honorees range from a revitalized bookstore to public safety innovations to community events that capture children's imaginations, Executive Director Janice Penner said.
The 2026 Award Recipients
Arts and Culture Award: Riverside Community Arts Association
Established in 1989 by Mark Schooley, the Riverside Community Arts Association promotes and showcases member artwork through regular exhibits and sales.
Business Activity Award: Dr. Jungmiwha Bullock – Downtowne Bookstore
"Dr. Bullock wanted to continue the legacy of a woman-owned bookstore but take the concept to the next level," Penner said.
Downtown Event Award: Junior League of Riverside Truck-a-Palooza
The event allows children to explore, climb on, and learn about vehicles ranging from construction equipment to emergency response vehicles.
"Truck-a-Palooza is an amazing event with a unique hook for kids – big trucks with loud horns – what kid could resist?" Penner said.
Downtown Improvement Award: City of Riverside Arts and Culture District – Banners and Signage
Banners along Main Street and signage throughout the area identify the district, which recently received official California Cultural District designation.
Park and Neighborhood Specialists patrol city parks and adjacent neighborhoods, serving as an important supplement to sworn officers.
Chair's Award: MBG Lifestyle Group
The five McGuire brothers began with a bail bonds company before expanding into hospitality. Through their Miracles and Dreams Foundation, they support community events including Miracle on Main and annual backpack giveaways.
"The McGuire brothers wanted to expand and grow their businesses but to also reinvest in their community starting with the Miracle on Main event that resulted in the creation of the Miracles and Dreams Foundation," Penner said.
Roy Hord "Volunteer of the Year" Award: Kathy Allavie
Penner told the Gazette that Kathy Allavie will receive this year's award for her volunteer work with the Riverside Art Museum and Art Alliance that has driven fundraising efforts creating public art installations, including the oversized orange sculptures and Bark in the Park pieces.
"She has been a tireless promoter of arts and arts education in Riverside," Penner said.
Common Thread: Vision and Reinvestment
"I believe it's a combination of entrepreneurial spirit, focused business effort, and extraordinary vision," Penner said of the common thread among honorees. All recognized "that Downtown is an amazing place to invest and grow."
"We have a solid Arts and Culture District Downtown that offers so much to residents and visitors, we are attracting new businesses including amazing dining and entertainment options, and we're a desirable place to live," Penner said, echoing Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson's recent State of the City theme: "Riverside is leveling up."
More information: Tickets are $160 per person or $1,550 for a table. Call the RDP office at 951-781-7335. For sponsorship or donation information, contact Penner at 951-781-7339.
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