By Samantha Harris
The Rev. James Bennett fulfilled a a desire he has had for more than 10 years as his church, New Beginnings International held a black-tie gala Friday night to honor leaders in the Anderson community.
Anderson City Council member Bea Thompson received an award Friday night for her decades of community service at a gala hosted by New Beginnings Ministries.
Held at the Anderson County Arts Center, the event featured live music, dancing and an awards ceremony.
Community leaders, including judges, teachers and church workers were honored in three catgories: Trendsetters, Eagles and Humanitarians. Their contributions to the community ranged from mentoring students to counseling troubled adults to philanthropy.
"This is something that has been on my heart to do for a long time," Bennett said.
The community is surviving because of the efforts of the leaders honored Friday, he said.
Dr. Winston Floyd, honored for philanthropy and volunteerism, said he was pleased to win his award.
"Serving the community is so important," he said. "I try to teach my children to do the same."
Other honorees included Anderson County Council member Gracie Floyd, Judge Hugh Welborn, Anderson Mayor Terence Roberts and the Rev. J.O. Rich.
Here is a complete list of those honored at Friday night's event:
Mr. Glenn & Shirley Davis, Eagle Award winners
Eagle Awards
Mr. Andrea & Lisa Wilson
Mr. Glenn & Shirley Davis
Ms. Treca DeShield
Ms. Carol Rice
Ms. Elizabeth Strong
Mr. David Johnson
Mr. Christopher Lee
Ms. Denise Jackson
Ms. Adrian Bennett
Ms. Brenda Sloan
Mr. James & Mallie Wheeler
Ms. Annetta Hunter
Mr. Doris & John Geer
Mrs. Shujwana McCoppin
Ms. Alice Martin
Mr. Jamew Walker
Trend Setter
Dr. Beatrice Thompson
Council Gracie Floyd
Mr. William Roberts
Mayor Terrance Roberts
Mr. Albert Norris
Faithfulness in Community Outreach
Dr. Winston Floyd
Judge Cordell Maddox
Judge Hugh Welborn
Mentoring an Example of Manhood
Mr. Johnny Devore
Mr. James Gregory
Humanitarian Award
Dr. J.O Rich
Judge Frank Mauldin