Del Ray Business Association Announces Its 2016 Star Awards

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- The Del Ray Business Association presented its annual Del Ray Star Awards Monday to recognize key individuals that have gone above and beyond in their volunteer roles to help the Del Ray Business Association and Del Ray community.

Bill Blackburn, president of the Del Ray Business Association, noted that "2016 has been a bittersweet year, its nice to end it on a positive note by recognizing a few tremendous people here in Del Ray."

The Del Ray Business Association presented its 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award to local resident Tommy Knoernschild. "There are some that have spent their lifetimes helping others and helping the community and Tommy Knoernschild is one of those unique people," said Gayle Reuter, Del Ray Business Association member. "Born and raised in Del Ray, you won't find someone more giving and helpful and always with a smile."

The Business Awards were given to Sue Kolvalsky of McEnearney Associates, who has volunteered in the neighborhood for the past seven years and serves as co-chair of the Events Committee and Mary Wadland of The Zebra, for her tremendous efforts in promoting Del Ray and the neighborhood's small, independently run businesses. The Zebra is a free newspaper distributed in Alexandria.

The Citizen Award was presented to Lindsay Nelson, who chairs the fundraising and sponsorship committee for the Alexandria Turkey Trot. The event is the Del Ray Business Association's primary fundraiser, which funds many of the neighborhood's special events. "Lindsay is the first volunteer to show up to help at events and last one to leave," said Reuter.

The Del Ray Business Association represents the independently-owned restaurants, retailers, and businesses in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria. For more information, visit www.visitdelray.com.

PHOTO: Visit Del Ray logo