On April 11^th, the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce and Reston Interfaith presented the 22^nd Annual Best of Reston Awards recognizing businesses, organizations, and individuals for putting forth tremendous effort in their commitment to community service and improving the lives of others.

The awards were presented by Reston Interfaith’s Visionary, Strategic, and Community Builder Partners who themselves have made a difference with investments in Reston Interfaith’s work. The awards presented included:

Vade Bolton-Ann Rodriguez Young Leaders — Entrusting Our Community’s Future Award

Amanda Misiko Andere was awarded for her service-above-self mentality. Amanda’s many and varied accomplishments, volunteer service and philosophy as a younger leader are what make her a stand out for this award. She recognizes the importance of engaging her peers to take on leadership roles and is a force for inspiring the next generation of leaders to get involved.

Ann Rodriquez and Vade Bolton played a special role in the growth and development of the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce and Reston Interfaith. They also shared a special passion and gift for mentoring and inspiring young people and future leaders. While they are no longer with us, their memory lives on in this special award. At the event, Janet Bolton, Vade’s wife and Paco Rodriguez, Ann’s son, shared touching remarks about the special people behind this award.

Individual Community Members

Doug Bushée was recognized for his long-term commitment to making Reston a better place. His individual acts of service and his philosophy of collaboration inspire individuals to recognize and utilize their own gifts for the collective good.

Ed Robichaud’s diverse volunteerism and selfless, unassuming presence embody the spirit of this award. Whether behind the scenes or at the Board table, Ed’s presence matters, and he is the go-to person in our community.  Ed is called the Energizer Volunteer because his volunteerism keeps going and going and going.

Civic/Community Organizations

Friends of the Reston Regional Library: Over 250 Friends dedicate their time to coordinating massive book sale fundraisers and other volunteer efforts. The Friends advocacy, time, and financial contributions of $100,000 per year are critical to keeping our local library a world-class library

YMCA Fairfax County – Reston The Y stands out as an organization that creatively partners with our schools, nonprofits and other community groups to promote wellness and offer enriching programs that serve body, mind and spirit.  The Y’s unique approach of working beyond its physical walls, opens the doors to our entire community and strengthens us all.

Small Business Leader

Mayflowers A Floral Studio at Reston Town Center The owner’s compassion, drive and vision for supporting the community is shared by her dedicated employees.  The event centerpieces were a beautiful example of the many donations and in-house fundraisers they conduct each year. Mayflowers gives big and beautiful to enrich our community.

Corporate Business Leader

John Marshall Bank Among the bank’s founding principles is the commitment for employees to provide time, talent and financial resources in the markets they serve. When John Marshall Bank relocated its headquarters to Reston in 2012, it found great alignment with Reston’s philosophy of corporate engagement.  The Bank’s motto – “Actually, we’re all about you” is evident in how they are enriching our community in so many ways.

Click here to read the honoree bios.

Robert E. Simon Lifetime Achievement Award

Bill Bouie is a previous Best of Reston winner. He has been advocating in our community for more than thirty years, he has been able to connect the threads that bind us together – to achieve together the goals we can’t reach alone.  Most of he has been working patiently and persistently to make sure young people have places to grow and play and to make sure all have access to public art.

In 2009, in consultation with the gala chair and host Robert E. Simon, BOR began a special tradition to honor past Best of Reston Honorees who continue an unyielding commitment to serving our community.

 A Best of Reston record-breaking fundraising check of $466,293 was presented Kerrie Wilson, CEO of Reston Interfaith, at the conclusion of the evening. Robert E. Simon, Reston’s Founder and Honorary Chair of the event has set an ambitious goal to raise a total $1 million over the next two years for Reston Interfaith. The proceeds support Reston Interfaith’s initiatives to preserve and increase affordable housing options and help families and individuals transform their lives from homelessness to living in a home of their own. 

Best of Reston special guests included:

 Fairfax County Supervisor Cathy Hudgins, Hunter Mill District

• Mayor of the Town of Herndon, Lisa Merkel
• Vice Mayor of the Town of Herndon, Connie Hutchison
• Virginia Delegate Ken Plum
• Virginia Delegate Tom Rust
• Virginia Senator Janet Howell
• Virginia Senator Mark Herring
• Congressman Gerry Connolly
• Mike O’Reilly, Chairman, Governing Board to Prevent and End Homelessness
• Pat Harrison, Deputy County Executive
• David Bobzien, County Attorney
• Patti Stevens, Office of Public-Private Partnerships
• Dean Klein, Fairfax Office to Prevent and End Homelessness
• Janet Hubbell and Chris Scales of Neighborhood and Community Services
• Verdia Haywood, past Best of Reston honoree and former Deputy County Executive
• The leading nonprofit organizations in Fairfax County who serve our community every day

Those who help make the event possible include Karen Cleveland and Casey Veatch, the Best of Reston Committee and the Gala In-Kind Sponsors:

• Jerry Ferguson of Fairfax Public Access (Video Sponsor)
• Jen Sterling of Red Thinking
• May Bernhardt of Mayflowers A Floral Studio
• David Eisenmann, Teri Kaplan, Johnathan Wilbert and the Hyatt staff
• Will Marlow (Photographer )
• Focus Fine Photography (Bob Simon photo booth photos)
• The South Lakes HS JROTC
• The South Lakes HS Choral Students
• The Reston Community Orchestra Percussive Ensemble
• And Amphora Group for the delicious wines on the table

For more information contact Catherine Hoskinson or call 571-323-9566

Thank You to our 2013 Best of Reston Sponsors

Visionary Partner

Strategic Partners

Community Builder

Signature Sponsors

Boston Properties and Beacon Capital Partners

Premier Sponsor

Apptix
Atlantic Realty Companies
Cleveland Coaching Group – Karen and Jim Cleveland
Jorge and Nancy Kfoury
Griffin-Owens Insurance Specialists, LLC
John Marshall Bank
Renaissance Centro, LLC
Republic Land Development LLC/Republic Family of Companies

Special Thank You

ColorCraft/Corporate Press
Clyde’s of Reston
Fairfax Public Access
Hyatt Regency Reston
Mayflowers A Floral Studio at Reston Town Center
PSAV
Red Thinking LLC

Wine Sponsor

Amphora Group

Enjoy photos of the 2013 Best of Reston