AIB Network Honors Atlanta's Nonprofits and Philanthropists at 2018 Allen Awards

ATLANTA - April 25, 2018 - PRLog -- AIB Network hosted the 2018 John H. Allen Awards April 19, 2018 at the Southwest Performing Arts Center to celebrate Atlanta's local nonprofits and commemorate the work being done around the city and elsewhere under the theme, "Our Voices, Our Community." "It is really important that we take time to acknowledge the efforts of our nonprofit community and their supporters. They are the heroes among us," said AIB President and CEO Collie Burnett.

The 2018 Allen Awards were hosted by veteran TV anchor and journalist, Monica Pearson and featured "Married to Medicine" star Genise Shelton, as the red carpet correspondent. The ceremony also featured performances by African drummer Greyling "Oginga" Love, two-time Stellar Award nominee Keyondra Lockett, and renowned poet Hank Stewart.

Ambassador Andrew Young was the featured honoree and recipient of the John Houston Allen Humanitarian Award. The John Houston Allen Humanitarian Award named after AIB founder, John Houston Allen, recognizes distinguished achievement and meritorious service by an organization or individual that bridges religious, ethnic and social backgrounds and makes our world a better place. Ambassador Young was a leader with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, a United States Congressman representing the 5th District of Georgia, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, and mayor of Atlanta. He was also instrumental in bringing the 1996 Olympics to Atlanta and continues to promote human rights, education and development around the world. The Honorable Shirley Franklin, Atlanta's first female mayor, accepted the award on his behalf.

The John A. Conant Community Service Award was presented to the Wilbur and Hilda Glenn Family Foundation. Founder Tom Glenn, II, accepted the award on behalf of his family. The Conant Award is presented to an organization that provides much-needed support to a segment of our population that is often overlooked and underserved. The Glenn Family Foundation is known for their charitable giving broadly across nonprofits.

The winner of the AIB Community Service Award was food rescue organization, Second Helpings Atlanta. Executive Director Joe Labriolaaccepted the award. The AIB Community Service Award recognizes and honors organization or individual that is empowering the community through their generous gifts of service, touching lives and making a difference. Using their unique model, volunteers at Second Helpings are able to rescue perishable food items, deliver them to distribution centers, including church food ministries and community assistance centers, and return home in about 90 minutes.

The Achievement in Mind|Body|Spirit Entertainment Award was a new category at the Allen Awards. Following a call for submissions, short video projects up to 10 minutes in length were submitted from all around the world. Ultimately, local filmmaker Jonathan Fienemann and his film "Are You Kidding Me?" was the winner. The Achievement in Mind|Body|Spirit Entertainment recognizes an individual or group using his or her creative gifts to make our world better by creating a short video project that stimulates the mind, strengthens the body and inspires the spirit. Fienemann's innovative filmmaking techniques and keen storytelling were part of what made the film standout from other submissions.

Radio personality Willie Moore, Jr. won Programmer of the Year for FlatOut TV. The Programmer of the Year Award is presented to an AIB Programmer who effectively uses media to spread a message of hope and stimulates the mind, body and spirit of our community. Moore's FlatOut TV is entertaining, interactive and encouraging; using his comedic talents and down-to-earth style, Moore promotes personal and spiritual growth through self-discovery and accountability.

The Allen Awards is AIB Network's signature event and fundraiser named after AIB's founder John Houston Allen. The awards program recognizes and celebrates the greater Atlanta nonprofit community, including faith-based and interfaith organizations, and their efforts to improve lives by building bridges of understanding, valuing diversity and challenging us to make a difference in the lives of others https://www.aibtv.com/.

The 2018 Allen Awards will premiere on AIB Network May 6, 2018 at 10pm.