Friendship Foundation Host 3rd Annual Vision & Values Awards

November 1, 2023

Friendship Foundation Host 3rd Annual Vision & Values Awards Honoring Achievements of Ms. Claudia Whitworth, Rev. Dr. William Lee and Colonel Thomas Dalzell

Friendship, southwest Virginia’s non-profit leader in senior living and rehabilitation, hosts its third annual Vision & Values Awards Tuesday, November 2, 2023 at The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center. The awards celebrate the lifetime achievements of individuals who dedicated their lives to serving our community and exemplify Friendship’s values: accountability, positivity, teamwork, compassion and respect.

“We are honored to recognize three amazing people – Ms. Claudia Whitworth, Rev. Dr. William Lee and Colonel Thomas Dalzell – all of whom have made significant contributions to the Roanoke Valley and beyond,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Joe Hoff.

2023 Honorees
Thomas Dalzell portrait
Thomas Dalzell
William Lee portrait
William Lee
Claudia Whitworth portrait
Claudia Whitworth

Morning Show Host Program Director at Q99 FM, Dick Daniels, will emcee the event, sharing about the honorees’ many contributions, which include:
• Publishing one of the longest surviving black community newspapers in the United States (Ms. Claudia Whitworth),
• Volunteering seven days a week to feed and house low-income and homeless individuals
(Colonel Thomas Dalzell), and
• Founding a not-for-profit family health center to improve access to medical care for the uninsured and underserved (Rev. Dr. William Lee).

The Awards ceremony also serves as a fundraiser to support Friendship’s Resident Benevolence Fund, which supports residents in need of financial assistance. To learn more about Friendship Foundation, giving opportunities or to donate online, please visit https://www.friendship.us/foundation.

Friendship launched the Vision and Values Awards in 2021 to honor individuals whose lifelong contributions have made our community a better place. This year’s generous Presenting Sponsors are Marsh McLennan Agency, Wilbanks Smith & Thomas Asset Management, Cary Street Partners, and 5Points Creative.

About Friendship Foundation
Founded in 1966, Friendship Foundation is a nonprofit organization that offers a variety of housing and on-site healthcare services to serve a wide range of residents, including those with limited financial means. With four campuses, the earliest dating back to 1919, Friendship has grown to offer the full continuum of healthcare, including an adult day care center and home care services. The needs of seniors are met within a caring community that inspires purpose in life. Visit friendship.us for more information.