Celebrating Sustainable Solutions

Burlingame plays host Thursday to the fourth annual In Harmony with Hope Awards, presented by Burlingame-based Elfenworks Foundation, a non-profit striving to find long-term solutions to problems like poverty, education, healthcare and social injustice.

"We're all about creating local abundance," said Marian Sprague of the Elfenworks Foundation. "The idea is to find people who are crafting or have come up with innovative solutions to age-old problems of inequality and poverty."

The awards, which will take place at the Kohl Mansion, honor visionaries with sustainable solutions to some of the nation's biggest issues. 

After a nationwide search, three recipients were chosen this year. Sprague said the foundation takes nominations, but also researches throughout the year to find those working on projects Elfenworks would be interested in recognizing--projects that do more than patch the problem.

"We need people who do more than give band-aids," Sprague said. "They're finding ways to actually stop [the problem]."

Another component foundation staff consider is if the projects can be replicated in other communities. Sprague said two years ago a retired doctor was honored for his work providing free healthcare on Hilton Head Island, S.C. Although considered an affluent area, he realized how poor the residents were outside of the gated communities. Word of his idea spread throughout the healthcare ranks, and now there are 26 locations providing free healthcare formatted after his model.

They also take into account how the prize money can help an organization grow.

"We give them $2,500 that starts the snowball rolling," Sprague said.  She said one recipient last year greatly increased his funds by using the award money to host a fundraising telethon.

The small event—150 people are expected this year—celebrates focusing on the positive, rather than the negative.

"The headlines are always negative," Sprague said. "I think attention needs to be paid to people who are quietly working to make a difference."

The awardees this year come from all across the country. Will Allen, founder of Growing Power, comes from Milwaukee.  He created an urban farm in the heart of the city to grow healthy food for local families. He additionally teaches community members about fresh food and recycling in a sustainable environment.

Another honoree, Rosanne Haggerty, comes from New York City. She is responsible for founding Common Ground, a supportive housing service for the chronically homeless. Her model is already being replicated across the country.

The third awardee is Rebecca Onie of Boston, co-founder of Project HEALTH. Her organization uses student volunteers to locate social resources for children at pediatric clinics. Her project boasts 600 volunteers helping more than 14,000 people.

Ronnie Lott, former San Francisco 49er and founder of the All Stars Helping Kids charity for low-income children, is the Master of Ceremonies.

"Our annual award shines a light on the visionaries who are making a real difference for our country," said Lauren Speeth, founding CEO of Elfenworks. "Never underestimate your power to make a ripple."

The event will be streaming live on Thursday at 7 p.m. at http://wp.elfenworksfoundation.org.