Golden Dragon Awards at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Celebrates Diversity
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Oct. 19, 2013 – Courage, diversity and service were the themes during the fourth annual Golden Dragon Awards event at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Organized by the Asian American Chamber of Central Florida, the awards recognize the region’s champions of diversity and service.
The Golden Dragon Award is the chamber’s highest honor and recognizes an individual or company who has made a significant impact on Central Florida by improving residents’ quality of life. This year’s local honorees included:
CenturyLink, which received the Golden Hands Award for the company and its employees’ contributions to the community and education including providing grants to teachers.
Orlando Science Center, recipient of the Green Spirit Award for being the first nonprofit in Florida to reach LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) gold status.
Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan, selected for the Diversity Champion Award for her efforts to actively encourage diversity and inclusion.
Harris Rosen, who was given the Ellison S. Onizuka Humanitarian Award, which recognizes an individual or group which has demonstrated courage and selfless giving.
Publix, which received the Golden Dragon Award, for making a positive impact in Central Florida by caring for customers and employees and investing in the community.
Ambassador Harriet Elam-Thomas, diplomat in residence at the University of Central Florida, was the keynote speaker at the event and Valerie Boey of Fox 35 News served as the emcee.
Supporting the event is one part of Disney’s ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion in Central Florida. “Disney’s continued support of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida allows us to acknowledge deserving individuals and companies who are making a difference in our community,” said Coco Johnston, president of the chamber.
