Liberty Bank is accepting nominations for its 20th annual Willard M. McRae Community Diversity Award. The application deadline is Friday, September 4 and the recipient will be recognized this fall. Since 2001, Liberty Bank’s Foundation has presented the Willard M. McRae Community Diversity Award to individuals who have made outstanding and ongoing contributions to the cause of promoting and celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion in the communities served by the Bank. It is named in honor of the late Willard McRae, past chairman of the Liberty Bank Board of Directors and a founding member of the Liberty Bank Foundation Board of Directors. A lifelong Middletown resident who passed away in early 2016, Willard was known for his extraordinary commitment to equal access and opportunities for all, regardless of economic status, race, background, disability, or other factors. His contributions to children’s mental health, education, and human services made a positive difference for thousands of people. “Annually, this award honors someone who is a champion of the cause of diversity,” said Sue Murphy, Liberty Bank Foundation Executive Director. “This fall, we look forward to transitioning our award presentation to a virtual setting where the recipient’s family, friends, and supporters can safely come together to celebrate his/her achievements.” Through involvement with a community service organization, the award recipient will have enhanced the quality of life by raising awareness that diversity, equity, inclusion, and racial justice are sources of strength. He/she will be a leader in building positive relationships between different people – relationships in which they view their differences as assets, not liabilities. For a full list of past recipients, along with the award’s evaluation criteria and eligibility requirements, and to nominate someone for Liberty Bank's 2020 Willard M. McRae Community Diversity Award, please visit the Liberty Bank Foundation website and complete an application by September 4, 2020: https://libertybankfoundation.org/programs/Liberty Bank Accepting Nominations through September 4 for its 20th Annual Willard M. McRae Community Diversity Award
