Pete Benavidez received the Neighborhood Hero Award at the 12th Annual Riverside Neighborhood Partnership Awards Thursday, September 26. (Courtesy Riverside Neighborhood Partnership)
The Riverside Neighborhood Partnership (RNP) celebrated outstanding individuals and groups dedicated to enhancing Riverside at its 12th Annual Awards Dinner. The event, held on September 26 at the Evergreen Masonic Center, brought together residents, neighborhood groups, elected officials, and small business owners to recognize exceptional service and leadership.
Three winners emerged from 17 nominations across three award categories, each demonstrating remarkable commitment to their communities.
Riverside Neighbors Opposing Warehouses (R-NOW) received the Neighborhood Spirit Award for its grassroots activism against a large-scale warehouse development in the Orangecrest and Mission Grove neighborhoods. R-NOW's efforts included organizing thousands of petition signatures, speaking at public meetings, and rallying over 500 community members to attend a crucial March JPA Commission meeting.
"R-NOW's efforts have set an inspiring example of community-driven advocacy and environmental stewardship," said RNP President Aram Ayra.
Pete Benavidez earned the Neighborhood Hero Award for his decades-long leadership of Blindness Support Services (BSS). Under Benavidez's guidance, BSS has expanded into a vital organization empowering individuals with vision loss throughout Inland Southern California.
Benavidez's community involvement extends beyond BSS. He serves on the City of Riverside Charter Review Commission, acts as Vice Chair of the Budget Engagement Commission, and participates in Neighbors Better Together.
"Pete's leadership has transformed lives in the visually impaired community," said Ayra.
Sharron Lewis, Vice President of the Riverside County NAACP, received the Jack B. Clarke Sr. Good Neighbor of the Year Award. Lewis works tirelessly to foster unity and mutual understanding through initiatives like the NAACP Youth Council Unity Basketball Game and "Breaking Bread" dialogues.
As a fierce advocate for youth, Lewis collaborates with the Riverside Unified School District to engage students in performances celebrating African American history. Her efforts strengthen community relationships and inspire positive change in Riverside.
The Annual Awards Dinner underscores RNP's mission to build strong, connected communities through outreach, advocacy, recognition, and service. The 12th Annual Awards Dinner not only celebrated past achievements but also inspired future community leaders and activists. By highlighting these success stories, RNP encourages more residents to get involved in their neighborhoods and make a positive impact.
The 4th Annual Can Tree Wonderland brought together over 40 groups to create festive tree-inspired displays made of canned goods, raising vital support for hunger relief in the Riverside and San Bernardino communities this holiday season.
