 Lisa Loving of the Skanner News Group and Craig Fondren of the Sabin CDC at the Royal Rosarian Newsmakers of the Year Banquet |
Craig Fondren of Sabin Community Development was honored this week by the Skanner News Group and the Royal Rosarians as one of eight Newsmakers of the Year, at the annual Royal Rosarian Newsmakers' Awards Banquet at the DoubleTree Lloyd Center Hotel.
The Skanner News Video: Craig Fondren
Eight awards recipients were nominated by Portland-area media outlets, and their stories were told in words and pictures by the local news anchors, editors and reporters who first publicized their deeds.
The Skanner News also bestowed Fondren and the Sabin CDC with our Drum Major for Justice Award in January, to recognize their work in computer literacy programs and free computer access throughout Northeast Portland.
Bruce Murdock and John Erickson, radio personalities, were Masters of Ceremony.
Award winners included:
-- Nine-year-old Gracie Pakosz, who started an environmental cleanup called the Green Team, in her neighborhood. She was chosen by KATU TV Channel 2 and the award was presented by weatherman Dave Salesky;
-- Mike Rosen, a documentary filmmaker who organized 22 Oregonians to travel to Louisiana and chronicle the deadly BP oil spill and its aftermath, in an effort to advocate for less reliance on oil-based products in our everyday lives. Portland Tribune staff reporter Jennifer Anderson, who went on that trip, presented the award;
-- Middle-schooler McKenzie Hughes, who was home alone when three men broke into her house. Hughes called 911 and helped police catch and arrrest the would-be robbers. Her award was presented by KPTV Channel 12 news anchor Ben Senger.
-- Washington County activist and organizer Sabino Sardineta served as the executive director of Centro Cultural for 18 years and worked with area laborers for the past four decades. His award was presented by John Schrag, publisher and editor of the Forest Grove News-Times.
-- Central Catholic High School football player Hayward Demison scored in an important game then suffered a heart attack on the field. He was revived by a cardiac care nurse in the crowd and now advocates for free medical exams for high school athletes. His award was given by Jeff Gianola, news anchor at KOIN TV Channel 6.
-- Craig Fondren of the Sabin Community Development Corporation has worked for years to bring free technology and training to Northeast Portland. Offering free computer training classes to people of all ages as well as music mixing classes for youth, the Sabin CDC and Fondren have worked to improve the neighborhoods now for 20 years. His award was presented by Lisa Loving of The Skanner News Group.
Mike and Lacey Palmer operate a home for veterans struggling with the re-entry to society, and are branching out into a nonprofit that helps vets secure their benefits and other services. their award was given by news anchor Wayne Havrelly of KGW Channel 8.
The Newsmakers' event is an activity of the Royal Rosarian Foundation.
