NEWS RELEASE

The Cultural Council of Indian River County is pleased to announce its 2015 Laurel Award Honorees.  Over the past 19 years, the Cultural Council has promoted the cultural arts through education, collaboration, marketing, programming and advocacy.  Three years ago the Council consolidated the Awards to three, the Richard A. Stark Award for Cultural Leadership, the Alma Lee Loy Award for Volunteer Leadership, and the John J. Schumann, Jr. Award for Business Leadership.  This year we are introducing a fourth Laurel Award, the Willie C. Reagan Award for Educational Arts Leadership.  Honorees are:

Maestro Stewart Robertson, Atlantic Classical Orchestra will receive the Richard A. Stark Award for Cultural Leadership. This award is given to an individual who demonstrates exceptional leadership in promoting the cultural arts, and in providing encouragement, involvement, and motivation to others in support of the cultural arts.

Anita Astrachan, Volunteer for Riverside Theatre and Hibiscus Children’s Center will receive the Alma Lee Loy Award for Volunteer Leadership.This is awarded to an outstanding individual who, as a volunteer, demonstrated selfless dedication to the cultural arts, and devoted energy, passion, time and support of a nonprofit cultural organization.

Bridget Lyons, Indian River Academy will receive the Willie C. Reagan Award for Educational Arts Leadership. The Willie C. Reagan Award for Educational Arts Leadership is awarded to an arts educator to honor, recognize, celebrate, and advocate arts education for all whose talent and leadership keeps the arts alive for people of all ages.

White Glove Moving, Storage & Delivery, Pak Mail Beachside, President Phil DeLange, will receive the John J. Schumann, Jr. Award for Business Leadership, which is awarded to an individual or business who demonstrates outstanding commitment to nonprofit cultural organizations in support of their operations, enabling growth and sustainability.

The Laurel Awards will be presented to the honorees at the Nineteenth Laurel Awards Celebration, Friday April 24, 2015 at the Riomar Country Club.  The reception starts at 6:00 pm, dinner at 7:00 pm, followed by the awards program.  Reservations, $175/person, are required by April 17, 2015.  Call 772-770-4857 for more information.