The Center for Great Neighborhoods will celebrate 49 years as Covington’s Community Development Corporation at our annual Heart of the Community Celebration this October 16th at the Hellmann Creative Center from 6-8pm.
This fundraiser brings together residents and community leaders to celebrate and support the work and mission of The Center. It also serves to recognize the residents and businesses of Covington who work hard every day to improve the quality of life in our city. Heart of the Community Awardees and Key to the Future youth awardees are not chosen by The Center but instead are nominated by their peers.
The Heart of the Community Award is presented annually by The Center to recognize community leaders who have made significant contributions to their street, neighborhood, or entire city. Receiving this recognition highlights the accomplishments of the leader, expresses community gratitude for their generous donation of time and talent, and inspires others to become involved in Covington.
The Key to the Future Awards recognize Covington youth residents who are outstanding leaders and devoted to our community.
2025 Heart of the Community Awardees are:
Dietra Bohannon-Riley, Hillary Thomas, Aaron Galvin, Rosalind Basey, Aaron Wolpert, and Lisa Murray.
2025 Key to the Future Awardees are:
Abdul Haseeb, Luv Martinez, River Benecke, Faith Jackson, and Damya Hughes
The Center will also honor the dedication of Artmarkit with our Great Business Award as a Covington business going above and beyond to serve as a supportive and safe space; and the City of Covington’s Parks & Recreation Department with the Great Neighbor Award for all their hard work improving Covington park spaces and drastically expanding their programming offerings, giving Covingtonians of all ages access to enriching recreation opportunities.
As Covington’s hometown Community Development Corporation, The Center is dedicated to the belief that every resident has a gift or strength to share, and that our community is strongest when each person is contributing to its quality of life.
This belief is represented in our work as we engage residents to build community through community projects, public art, and truly community-driven, equitable development opportunities. Our work includes creative placemaking, neighborhood association support, real estate development, small business and startup support, the Covington Farmers Market, Keep Covington Beautiful, and youth programming like Covington Sparks and Sparks in the Park.
This event is free to the public and includes lite bites, the West Sixth Beer Truck, a silent auction, and raffles.
To register, go to www.greatneighborhoods.org
