The MANDIs launch first People’s Choice Awards | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
LISC Milwaukee
March 30, 2015
Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development Innovation
Since 1999, LISC Milwaukee has hosted the Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development Innovation (MANDI). The MANDIs highlight the unsung heroes working hard to revitalize Milwaukee’s most distressed urban neighborhoods. This Oscar-style event is attended by 750 civic leaders including neighborhood residents, nonprofits, private sector leaders, and elected officials. The MANDIs have grown into the premier event for the community development world, and it tells the much-needed story of what’s right with Milwaukee’s neighborhoods. The MANDI Selection Committee includes a panel of 40 volunteers.
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The Wells Fargo People’s Choice Award is a brand new interactive award category where the winner is chosen by the public through an online voting system. The goal is to increase exposure to the good work of the finalists in the broader community. The three groups who receive the most votes will each receive $1000!  Please cast your vote between March 30-April 14 at milwaukeenns.org/mandivote
Starting Monday, March 30, articles written by Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service and videos produced by LISC Milwaukee about each finalist can be found at milwaukeenns.org/mandivote.
Hosted by US Bank, the MANDIs will be held on Wednesday, April 15th, at the Potawatomi Event Center. A cocktail hour and Neighborhood Art Walk will be held from 4:15-5:30pm followed by dinner and awards from 5:30-7:30pm. The evening will close with a Neighborhood Dessert Reception and DJ from 7:30-9pm. For registration and information visit http://www.lisc.org/milwaukee/mandi/2015_mandi/index.php
“The MANDIs shine a light on inspiring stories of passionate, creative, and effective leaders and projects, working hard to make our city great. We want to help the public have a more complete picture of what’s happening in Milwaukee’s central city. These groups need our support, and deserve our recognition.” said Dawn Hutchison-Weiss, Communications Director for LISC Milwaukee.
BMO Harris Bank Cornerstone Award: Express Yourself Milwaukee, Pan-African Community Association, Rotary Club of Milwauke.
Brewers Community Foundation Public Space Award: The ARTery, Holton Bridge Swing Park, HOME GR/OWN’s Ezekiel Gillespie Park
Northern Trust Navigator Award; LaKetta Caldwell, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, Todd Hutchison, Impact Seven, Venice Williams, Alice’s Garden
PNC Trailblazer Award; Cream City Gardens and Rain Harvesting, Guest House of Milwaukee, Sisters Diversion Project, Bendict Center, Mobile Bike Hub, Layton Boulevard West Neighbors
State Farm Building Blocks Award; Veterans Administration Community Resource and Referral Center on MLK Drive; Zilber School of Public Health