DPO moves annual awards event online

To combat restrictions for gatherings because of the virus, the Downtown Painesville Organization will host its awards virtually.

To combat restrictions for social gatherings because of the novel coronavirus pandemic, the Downtown Painesville Organization will host its 10th Annual Awards in virtual form.

Usually held as a luncheon at Painesville United Methodist Church, the event focuses on honoring and celebrating individuals and groups in the community that make incredible impact throughout the year. The award ceremony will be held at noon on Dec. 4.

Joy Severa, executive director of the DPO, said the award show is dedicated to those that make a difference in the community and despite living in a pandemic, it is important to highlight community support.

“In spite of the pandemic, and more so because of the pandemic, the community’s outpouring of generosity and togetherness and kindness to one another really shone through,” she said.

Severa said nominations came from the DPO Board of Directors and community members recommending and highlighting acts of service. From there, Severa said a committee juries the selections.

This year, Severa said a vast quantity of nominations came in.

“We were given a plethora of candidates when the nomination process started back in September,” she said. “The committee that oversees the award felt they had so many qualified candidates, in fact, we are adding this year specifically honorable mentions because the community had such an outpouring of exceptional individuals.”

The awards will be announced in“alive stream, posted through the DPO’s popular Facebook page at the time of the event,” according to a news release, and will later be uploaded to YouTube.

DPO is also “introducing

“In spite of the pandemic, and more so because of the pandemic, the community’s outpouring of generosity and togetherness and kindness to one another really shone through.” — Joy Severa, executive director

a VIP Ticket option for purchase through their EventBrite site that will allow ticket holders to enter the virtual Award Ceremony event as an exclusive participant.”