YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Nominations are now open for the Western Reserve Transit Authority’s fifth annual Holiday Lights Awards.
The awards celebrate nonprofit organizations that make the Mahoning Valley brighter every day.
“Nonprofits face many challenges and often rely on donations to fulfill their mission,” said Dean Harris, CEO of the WRTA. “We wanted to honor their impact – not just during the holidays but all year long.”
Each year, 12 organizations are selected from more than 100 nominations. Since its launch in 2021, nearly 50 Valley nonprofits have been recognized, many seeing a boost in awareness, donations and community support, a news release states.
Award winners will be honored at a dinner Nov. 17 at the B&O Station Banquet Hall and will be featured in a shared regional awareness campaign on TV, bus ads, social media and WRTA’s digital display sign downtown.
One of the 12 award winners will be chosen Non-Profit of the Year via public vote. That organization will also receive a custom individual TV advertising campaign from Spectrum Reach; a targeted social media campaign from Farris Marketing/StrategiX Social; and a $1,000 donation from a local Valley bank.
An authorized management-level staff member can submit a nomination HERE. The deadline is Oct. 19. Award winners will be notified Oct. 27. A representative must attend the Nov. 17 dinner to receive the award.