Walton Options for Independent Living Wednesday announced the winners of the Most Valuable Partner Community Awards during the Celebration Luncheon at the Legends Club. A total of three community awards and two organizational awards were presented to business, organizations and individuals to recognize the work that has been done to create a more inclusive community for persons with disabilities
 
The MVP Community Awards winners are:

Inclusive Community Award: Barney’s Pharmacy

Outstanding Service Organization Award: Marty Turcios Therapeutic Golf Foundation

Outstanding Individual Advocate Award: Gerald Powell
 
The Walton Options Special Recognition Awards are:

MVP Award: Robbie Breshears

Dedicated Volunteer Award: Spencer Gartrell
 
“Today brought together an amazing group of individuals, businesses, and organizations who are not only laying the groundwork of inclusive community right here in the CSRA but are also making it an everyday reality,” said Tiffany Clifford, Executive Director at Walton Options for Independent Living. “The MVP Community Awards continue to grow year on year, with new nominees and supporters. We saw many new faces here today; many whom are starting to understand what the disability community can do for our area.”
 
Hosted by WJBF’s Barclay Bishop, the Celebration Luncheon brought together business and community leaders from across the CSRA. The networking style event offered guests the opportunity to share their experiences and ideas about ways to provide more inclusive services and opportunities for the disability community. Guest Speaker Jeff Eiseman of Agon Sports & Entertainment and the Augusta GreenJackets spoke about the innovation happening in the area and how it is pushing forward towards inclusive communities.
 
“We have always seen the benefit of inclusion from our fans to our staff on all levels,” explained Jeff Eiseman during the Luncheon about the GreenJackets. “Our new stadium and village are for the entire community, including those with disabilities. We are looking forward to continuing that inclusion with our job fairs this winter and with accessible facilities.”
 
The Celebration Luncheon was sponsored by the CSRA Area Agency on Aging and Walton Foundation for Independence. Catering was provided by Katerwerks.