Everyone’s A Winner – The Luton’s Community Awards 2015
All of the nominees for the sixth annual Community Awards gathered at the stunning Venue Central 2 for an evening of multicultural celebration as Luton’s many communities came together to recognise the fantastic contributions that local heroes make to the town in which they live and work.
The Gala Awards event was hosted by Rayheem this year, while the staff of Venue Central 2 provided everyone with a delicious three course dinner and top class service.
Community Awards founder Mostaque Koyes said “The evening showcased the diversity of Luton and how well each community lives and works together. Every year our judges have a harder task as they have to choose the nineteen award winners. Every one of the nominees is just delighted to be recognised and acknowledged by their peers, including friends and family, and the whole event is a celebration of all of them, whether or not they walk away with a trophy.
“I am always moved to hear people’s stories and the event helps everyone appreciate the truly amazing work that so many people do in this town to make it a great place to live and work.”
Siobhan Rooney, a Partner at leading and award-winning regional law firm Pictons, the Headline Sponsors of the Community Awards said “It’s both an honour- and a headache! – to have to choose the Winner of Winners. We always say that every nominee deserve to win an award and it’s completely true.
“Choosing the best of the best is never easy. This year we chose Diane Rhodes, whose enthusiasm and dedication has made the charity Families Unite the leading local resource for parents of children with extra needs and disabilities. All of the Community Awards winners and nominees are relentless in their commitment and contribution to their communities and Luton town and all of them are so inspiring.”
The nineteen awards and award winners are:
Concern/Improving Lives Sponsored by Luton Community Housing
Alcohol Services for the Community
Young Hero Sponsored by Luton Sixth Form College
Tanisha Ellis
Charity Champion Sponsored by Bartham Group and Venue Central
Diane Rhodes
Service with a Smile Sponsored by Basepoint and Masterchef
Mark Chapman
Role model of the Year Sponsored by Safer Luton Partnership & Barnfield College
Kevin Porter
Community Business of the Year Sponsored by Federation of Small Businesses
Gulfstream
Exceptional Achievement Award Sponsored by University of Bedfordshire
Pamala Brown
Community Project of the Year Sponsored by Army
Luton Open Arts Project
Community Arts Award Sponsored by Luton Culture
Next Generation Youth Theatre
Community Champion Sponsored by Pictons Solicitors
Peter Adams
Helping Hand Award Sponsored by Aldwyck Housing Group
Enamur Rahman
Lifetime Achievement Award Sponsored by Specialists Cars
Clifford Bygrave
Champion Carer Sponsored by Penrose
Tara Boutata
Volunteer of the Year Sponsored by Active Luton
Sally Burke
Teacher of the Year Sponsored by A-Plan and Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation
Lynda Bianchi
Parent in a Million Sponsored by Mary Seacole Housing Association
Fahima Choudhury
Bravery Award Sponsored by Bedforshire Police and Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue
Rehana Faisal
Faisal Hussein
Mayors Award
Andy Calvert
Winner of Winners
Diane Rhodes
This year the Cancer Research UK charity was the beneficiary of the ticket sales, bucket collection and sponsorship, receiving a cheque for £5,000 on awards night.