Last Friday at the Radisson Hotel in Old Town, Hopkins House held its 13th annual Heart of the Community luncheon. The purpose of the luncheon is to honor local businesses for their volunteer activities with the neighborhood center.
This year a special award was designated as the Helen Miller Community Heart Award. Miller was a life-long resident of the city and an advocate for children and their families. She died last year. “The award is named in her honor in recognition of her heroic spirit, singular vision, and love for children and families.” The first recipient of this award was Marsha J. Evans. Marsha Evans served in the U.S. Navy for 29 years and distinguished herself by reaching the rank of rear admiral. Upon retiring she served as superintendent of the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif.; executive director in the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. and later president of the American Red Cross. Evans lives in Alexandria with her husband Jerry, a retired Navy jet pilot.
The second award, the Heart of the Community Award, was given to the Neighborhood Restaurant Group. The group owns the Evening Star Café, Vermillion, Tallula in Arlington, Planet Wine and is presently working on a new restaurant on Slaters Lane, Rustico.
For more information on Hopkins House visit www.hopkinshouse.org or call 703-549-4232. Hopkins House is located at 1224 Princess St. in Alexandria.