These eight givers selflessly serve other New Mexicans

Besides doing extraordinary things to benefit their community — with no expectation of reward — Rudolfo Anaya, Ed Goodman, Kyla and Roger Thompson, Elizabeth Whitefield, Al and Linda Vigil, and Victor Lopez now have one more thing in common: They will be honored Tuesday with either a 2016 Spirit of New Mexico award or the Harry Kinney Good Samaritan award.

The awards, presented annually by the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce and the Albuquerque Journal since 2009, recognize exceptional groups and individuals who selflessly give of themselves for the simple joy of serving fellow New Mexicans.

They’re a particularly diverse group this year — an author, a lawyer, a couple that assists veterans, a judge, a couple that helps those affected by suicide and a chess enthusiast. But each has gone the extra mile to make New Mexico the extraordinary place it is.

The recipients will be honored Tuesday at a luncheon and awards ceremony set for 11 a.m. at Crowne Plaza Albuquerque, 1901 University NE. Tickets are available at abqchamber.com by clicking on the calendar, or call 764-3731.

Anaya, considered the dean of Chicano Literature, is turning his iconic coming-of-age novel “Bless me, Ultima,” into an opera.

Goodman helps find homes for sightless dogs, and Whitefield is noted for her work as a Family Court judge. The Vigils help families cope with the suicide of a loved one, and Lopez helps kids learn mental discipline and strategic thinking through chess.

The Thompsons, who will receive this year’s Harry Kinney Good Samaritan Award, work tirelessly for veterans. The Kinney award is named for the former mayor known for his generosity and leadership.

Congratulations to each recipient.