Heart Of Del Ray 2021 Nominations Open

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Valentine's Day is quickly approaching, and that means it's time for the annual Heart of Del Ray award.

The Del Ray Business Association gives out the award each year to a business that residents feel is the heart and soul of Del Ray. Residents can submit nominations until 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31, 2021 at visitdelray.com/heartofdelray. Businesses can only win the award once, so residents should submit nominations for businesses that haven't won.

"Nominations should be based on which business best demonstrates a warm and welcoming attitude to the community and customers, their commitment and generosity to the community, and to their overall contribution to what makes Del Ray the best place in the world to eat, live, work and shop," the Del Ray Business Association states in the nomination form.

The business association will then determine five finalists and open up voting to the community. Voting will happen from Feb. 2 to 10, and the winner will be presented with a giant heart on Friday, Feb. 12.

Last year's winner was Ms. Preeti's 7-Eleven. The business is known for donating 2,000 hot dogs for the annual Del Ray Halloween Parade. Nominators praised owner Preeti Patel for her warm smile, welcoming nature and support of local events, schools and causes.

Below are the past winners of the Heart of Del Ray award.

• 2009: A Show of Hands
• 2010: Jen Walker, McEnearney Associates
• 2011: Bobi Bomar, Homes of Alexandria/Compass
• 2012: The Neighborhood Pharmacy of Del Ray
• 2013: The Greener Cleaner of Del Ray
• 2014: Del Ray Pizzeria
• 2015: Mind the Mat Pilates & Yoga
• 2016: Caboose Cafe
• 2017: Del Ray Cafe
• 2018: Pork Barrel BBQ
• 2019: Taqueria Poblano
• 2020: Ms. Preeti's 7-11