LGBTQ+ Community Center of Darke County Celebrates Inaugural Prism Award Winners at 1st Annual Winter Gayla
For Immediate Release
LGBTQ+ Community Center of Darke County
[email protected] | www.darkecountypride.org
Greenville, OH – The LGBTQ Community Center of Darke County was excited to announce and celebrate the winners of the inaugural Prism Awards at the 1st Annual Winter Gayla on Saturday, December 14, 2024. The Prism Awards recognize leaders in the community whose efforts advance freedom, equality, accessibility and inclusion for all people in Darke County, including LGBTQ+ children, youth, adults and families.
“We were honored to have the opportunity to recognize amazing leaders in our community while bringing people together for a night of celebration, holiday desserts, dancing and community building,” said Lucas Jackson, Board Treasurer. “Our first Winter Gayla was an important milestone for our organization and our community and we’re already looking forward to the 2025 event.”
The 2024 Prism Awards winners were: Arienne Childrey, Advocate of the Year; Scott Snyder, Community Builder of the Year; Jordan Francis, Public Official of the Year; Dr. George Matar, Health, Wellness & Community Services Provider of the Year; Sam Arnold, Educator of the Year; I Am Well Darke County, Ally of the Year; River Souza, Center Star of the Year; and Madi Hollopeter, Jazz Hands Award winner.
The inaugural Prism Awards also included Special Recognition Prism Awards to individuals and organizations for their roles in paving the way for freedom and equality, inspiring positive change for generations to come, and pioneering efforts to create a safe, welcoming, accessible, and inclusive Darke County, OH. Special Recognition Prism Awards went to Michael Knote of Have a Gay Day, Sheriff Mark Whittaker, Abigial Griesdorn, Emily Hoisington, Greenville Public Library, Alanna Yeoman, Beka Lindeman, Carey Driscoll, Lucas Jackson, Bea Hammaker, Debra Farrell, Kevin Snow, Marcy Hanks, and Tristin Coghill. Ryan Acker also received the “Person Who Gives a Crap” Award for his role serving as the Center’s Board Chair.
“The Prism Awards highlight and celebrate the people, organizations and leaders in our community who are working to lift people up, advance American values of individual freedom and equality, and foster a sense of community, accessibility and inclusion for all people, including LGBTQ+ children, youth, adults, families and our friends and allies,” says Acker.
The Winter Gayla’s presenting sponsor was Andrea and Matt Jordan of Jordan Agency, and event sponsors included Have a Gay Day, and Matthew Guyette, Member of the Darke County Board of Elections and Chair of the Democratic Party of Darke County.*
“We are grateful for our amazing community, sponsors, donors, silent auction contributors, and supporters who made the Winter Gayla a success,” says Beka Lindeman, the Center’s Board Secretary and Outreach/Fundraising Coordinator. “Funds raised from the Winter Gayla and throughout the year go directly to ensuring we always have a safe space for LGBTQ+ people, and our friends and families in Darke County.”
The Center first opened in May of 2024 and provides weekly peer groups on Tuesdays from 6:00-7:30 and Fridays from 10:00pm-2:00am. The Center also provides Safe Space Training, links to community resources, and brings in Health & Wellness Partner resources on the 3rd Thursdays of the month from 4:00-7:00pm. In addition to Center programming, the Center also hosts independent groups whose purposes align with the Center’s mission and vision including, Friends of Bob and Dorothy AA Meeting on Mondays at 7:00pm, LGBTQ+ Families Group on the 1st Saturdays at 1:00, and a new Drum Circle beginning in January.
Those who would like to learn more about the Center’s on-going programs or make a donation to support the Center’s mission and services can visit www.darkecountypride.org. *The LGBTQ+ Community Center of Darke County is a 501c3, nonprofit organization and does not endorse candidates or political parties.