Tidewater Chapter Awards

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The 60th annual Tidewater Humanitarian Awards Celebration will took place on Thursday, March 21, 2024.

Under the leadership of Celebration Chair Sandra Porter Leon, the following individuals were honored:

HUMANITARIAN AWARDS 2024

 

Thomas Brandl
Don Comer, Jr.
Susan S. Goode
Laura Geringer Gross
Iris J. Lundy
Michael R. Toliver

The Humanitarian Award of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities is presented to those individuals who have demonstrated a personal commitment to the promotion of respect and understanding among people of diverse racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.  On occasion, the organization may bestow the Jeffrey B. Spence Award for Interfaith Understanding to individuals who have conducted exceptional work in the area of interfaith understanding. The Distinguished Merit Award recognizes corporations or community organizations for their humanitarian work.

2024 Honorees

Humanitarian Award Honoree

Thomas Brandl

Learn More About Tom

Tom Brandl has lived a life of military service, education, and community impact. Graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1979, he served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps for 29 years, commanding units and earning a Master of Arts in National Strategy and Policy. Post-retirement in 2008, he transitioned to defense consulting but sought a more fulfilling path. Enrolling in the WoodenBoat School in 2011, he discovered a passion for boatbuilding. Recognizing a void in youth boatbuilding programs in Hampton Roads, he founded the Tidewater Wooden Boat Workshop (TWBW) in 2014. TWBW imparts STEM education and life skills to disadvantaged youth while emphasizing inclusivity. Tom’s dedication, coupled with TWBW’s commitment to diversity and free accessibility, has left an indelible mark on his community, impacting over 1,500 kids since 2015.

Humanitarian Award Honoree

Don Comer, Jr.

Learn More About Don

Don Comer, former President of Don Comer Ford, Inc, has left an enduring mark on Portsmouth since making it his home in 1966. He has served with various organizations, including the Virginia Auto Dealer Association, Rotary Club of Churchland, and Bon Secours Hampton Roads, not only leading in the boardroom, but working in the community itself. Currently active on TowneBank’s Portsmouth regional board and the Portsmouth Partnership, Don exemplifies the tenets of leadership, contributing to the Lefoe Leadership Fund and the newly formed Give Back 2 Da Block, an organization committed to violence interruption and guiding youth on positive paths.  Comer’s love for jazz and cultural engagement has added a unique dimension to his community service, creating a harmonious blend of philanthropy and community enrichment.

Humanitarian Award Honoree

Susan S. Goode

Learn More About Susan

Susan S. Goode is a dedicated community leader and advocate with a profound commitment to the arts, environment, and local communities. Among her many commitments, Susan has been an integral part of the Virginia Wesleyan University Board of Trustees since 2006. Her involvement extends to key roles in organizations such as the Elizabeth River Project, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, where she serves as secretary. Recognized for her contributions, Susan received the YWCA Women of Distinction award and alongside her husband David, earned prestigious honors such as the Governor’s Arts Award and the Americans for the Arts Legacy Award. An unwavering advocate for arts accessibility, Susan actively supports inclusivity and fairness in community affairs.

Humanitarian Award Honoree

Laura Geringer Gross

Learn More About Laura

Recognized for her professional excellence, Laura Geringer Gross has been named in Best Lawyers in America (2020-2024) and Virginia’s Legal Elite (2006, 2008-2023). Additionally, she received the Influential Women of Virginia Award (2010) and Women of Distinction by YWCA of South Hampton Roads (2008). Laura is affiliated with professional bodies such as the American Bar Association, Virginia Bar Association, and Norfolk-Portsmouth Bar Association. Her community leadership roles include Past President of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and the Jewish Community Center of Tidewater, and Women’s Cabinet Chair for the United Jewish Foundation of Tidewater. Laura’s extensive legal background, community engagement, and commitment to inclusivity underscore her multifaceted contributions.

Humanitarian Award Honoree

Iris J. Lundy

Photo of Iris Lundy
Learn More About Iris

Iris Lundy‘s leadership focuses on reducing health disparities through engagement and collaboration with diverse communities. As the Vice President of Health Equity for Sentara Health, she employs her nursing and healthcare administration background to innovate community interventions, improve health outcomes, and reduce barriers to care. A colon cancer survivor and former Army veteran, Lundy’s personal experiences inform her compassionate leadership. Engaged in numerous boards and affiliations, including the Mayor’s Advisory Committee, NAACP, and various health organizations, Lundy actively contributes to advancing health equity on a national scale. During the pandemic, she aided in combating misinformation, and met the community where they were – opening up vaccine clinics in churches, trailer parks, public housing, beaches, and museums.  

Humanitarian Award Honoree

Michael R. Toliver

Learn More About Michael

Reverend Michael R. Toliver recently retired as the pastor of First Baptist Church South Hill, a role he held for 36 years. As the Senior Pastor, Toliver managed a vibrant ministry with impactful outreach initiatives focused on addressing homelessness, hunger, and disadvantage within the community, collaborating with organizations such as the Foodbank of South Hampton Roads. In addition to his pastoral responsibilities, Toliver is deeply engaged in community revitalization efforts, co-leading the “Serve-The-City” initiative in collaboration with Centerpoint Church and the Chesapeake Police Department. Toliver’s extensive community involvement spans roles with ForKids, the Chesapeake Coalition of Black Pastors, the Rev. Jake Manley Memorial Foundation, and the Old Dominion Ministers Association.

Thank you to the 2024 Humanitarian Awards Supporters:

Humanitarian Level Supporters

Awards
VOA-logo-color-2048x694

Ambassador Level Supporters

Past Humanitarian Awards

Past Honorees
a listing of all past honorees with Biographies (as available)

Past Dinner Chairs
a listing of all past dinner chairs

RESERVATIONS

To make a reservation: 

  • By check or invoice: print out the Reply Card, complete all information, and mail it to VCIC
  • Online: Use the form below or visit our registration site Note: all fees are passed on to registrant
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