Award Winners

At our annual Spring Benefit, we honor individuals who have demonstrated personal commitment and leadership in supporting the disenfranchised or have overcome personal hurdles to become contributing members of society. The guidelines for our three awards and the wonderful people we have had the privilege to honor include:

The Bill Webber Award
This award honors individuals who, like the Reverend Dr. George W. (Bill) Webber, have reached out with compassionate care to members of society who are marginalized or disenfranchised. This care may be expressed in direct service or through willingness to support causes, often considered unpopular, that give voice to the voiceless in our world.
 
After becoming president of the New York Theological Seminary (NYTS) in 1969, the Rev. Webber was pivotal in instilling new life and direction to that institution. Following his retirement, he created yet another innovation in theological education, a program that NYTS carries out at Sing Sing. It prepares inmates for a Master of Professional Studies in Ministry Degree that enables them to serve as counselors in prison drug treatment programs, organize Bible classes, provide companionship for isolated inmates and work in similar ministries upon release from prison.

Recipients of this award include:

2010 -- The Reverend Patricia Phaneuf Alexander and The Reverend J. Randolph Alexander Jr.        2009 – Barbara Martinsons
2008 – Nancy and Bob Steed
2007 – Dr. Louise Feroe 
2006 – Wilbert A. Tatum
2005 – Doris Buffet
2004 -- Sister Helen Prejean
2003 -- Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee

The Community Service Award
This award honors individuals or organizations that inspire hope and possibility through their outreach to the community.

Recipients of this award include:   

2010 -- Robert Carmona                                                                                                                                    2009 – Sister Elaine Roulet
2008 – Elizabeth Gaynes
2007 – The Rev. Canon Petero Sabune
2006 – J. Christopher Flowers and Dr. Mary H. White
2005 – Julius Walls Jr.

The Brian S. Fischer Achievement Award
This award honors a person formerly incarcerated who exemplifies the spirit and values of Hudson Link and is now leading a productive, service-oriented life. The criteria include:
Must have been formerly incarcerated
Took advantage of educational opportunities while incarcerated
Now is a productive member of society and contributing to the well-being of others

Recipients of this award include: