ANDERSONVILLE — The Andersonville Honors Gala and Awards draws near, and organizers need residents' help to determine the best businesses, organizations and individuals in the neighborhood worthy of recognition this year.
The Andersonville Honors Gala and Awards, now in its 5th year, celebrates the unique spirit of Andersonville, from its business district to its dedicated community members, the website said.
Residents can help by voting online in the following categories: the Welcome Addition award, the Good Neighbor Award, Arts Organization of the Year, Service Organization of the Year, Best Place to Eat, Best Place to Drink, Best Place to Shop and the Hidden Gem award.
Voting ends Friday at noon. Click here to vote.
At 6:30 p.m. on March 31, the gala will be held at the Neo-Futurarium, at 5153 N. Clark St. It will feature food, drinks, a silent auction and an Andersonville-themed performance of "Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind." The long-running show attempts to squeeze 30 performances into 60 minutes.
In addition to the business awards, the Eco-Andersonville Award and the Matthiason Community Service Awards will also be awarded.
The Eco-Andersonville Award honors the business or organization that "has invested the most to lessen its carbon footprint." Its recipient is chosen by the Eco-Andersonville committee of the Andersonville Development Corporation, which will soon be renamed the Andersonville Sustainable Community Alliance, according to its website.
The Matthiason Community Service Award, which is named in honor of "the Mayor of Andersonville" Kurt Matthiason, is given to "the individual who most exemplifies Kurt’s devotion and commitment to the ongoing vitality of the Andersonville community." Nominations come from the community, but the winner is chosen by the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce Board.
Tickets to the gala are $50 and available here. All proceeds go to benefit the work of Andersonville Sustainable Community Alliance and its eco-Andersonville partners. The nonprofit supports the neighborhood through innovation, education and research, according to its website.
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here: