In this world seemingly full of turmoil, do you wish you could meet people who are unusually Forgiving, Empathetic, Empathetic, Compassionate and Kind? Then join us for The Inaugural FECK Awards this Saturday, April 4th, at the Ritz Carlton Water Tower Place, Chicago. We are celebrating individuals and/or organizations who embody those transformative values. Chosen from hundreds of nominations by a philanthropic Panel of Judges after a national search, I am thrilled to be hosting the evening alongside veteran news anchor Robin Robinson.
Joining me as presenters are actors Nicholas and Pamela Guest; Fulbright scholar Douglas Arnell Williams, and Josibiah Smith, my compassionate son. Live musical performances will be delivered throughout the evening by award-winning international vocalists Tammy McCann and Calvin Bridges.
The FECK Awards were inspired by the principles outlined in my book It’s Time to Give a FECK: Elevating Humanity Through Forgiveness, Empathy, Compassion, and Kindness. These accolades are more than a typical award; they are a call to action, honoring everyday heroes and leaders whose actions help build a more humane, understanding, and compassionate world.
Congratulations to our 2026 winners, starting with Azim Khamisa and the Tariq Khamisa Foundation from San Diego, California, who embody the transformative value of FORGIVENESS. After his son Tariq was tragically killed in 1995 during a gang initiation robbery, Azim made the extraordinary choice to forgive the teenage offender responsible. Instead of allowing grief to turn into hatred, Azim partnered with the young man’s grandfather, Ples Felix, to found the Tariq Khamisa Foundation, dedicated to stopping youth violence. For more than three decades, the organization has reached more than two million young people through programs that promote accountability, forgiveness, and nonviolence.
Our recipient whose story exudes the value of EMPATHY, is Melvin Parson from Ypsilanti, Michigan. He founded the We the People Growers Association and We the People Opportunity Farm, which have transformed lives through urban agriculture and second-chance employment. After experiencing incarceration, homelessness, and addiction earlier in life, Parson built a program that created dignified jobs and workforce training through soil-changing opportunities, growing and selling fresh farm foods, and creating the Good Soil Café. This helped formerly incarcerated individuals to foster understanding, opportunity, and healing while reducing recidivism. Just as we were about to inform Mr. Parson of his award, we learned that he passed away earlier this month, on March 5th. His work lives on.
Jayera Griffin of Riverdale, Illinois, is this year’s award recipient best representing the principle of COMPASSION. She began serving her community at just 14 years old by organizing free laundry days so students could have clean clothes for school. Now 22 and graduating from Western Illinois University in 2026 with plans to become an elementary school teacher, Griffin continues to lead initiatives that support and uplift her community, including organizing CPR and AED training for young people, collecting clothing for seniors, and organizing school supply drives and holiday programs for neighborhood families.
Last but certainly not least is our winner who embodies KINDNESS, David Ludlow Jr., of South Elgin, Illinois. He was born with Down Syndrome, and now at age 35, demonstrates the profound impact one person’s generosity can have. Each year, he saves his earnings to purchase toys for his local fire district’s Toys for Tots drive. In 2025 alone, he donated nearly 100 toys, inspiring an outpouring of additional donations from the community. At Rising Lights Project, a learning space for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, Luplow is known for his quiet acts of kindness that inspire a ripple effect in the community.
A huge thank you to our distinguished judges Jane Borton, David Hirsch, Jason Delanee Lee, Yvonne Huff Lee, Mary O’Donohue, Laura Podlesny, Josibiah Smith, Jacqueline Stewart, Christine Swanson, Michael Swanson, Lou Weisbach, and Joyce Winnecke.
I would also like to highlight our Honorable Mentions in each category, starting with Forgiveness: Judge Kathleen Coffey, founder of the Homeless Court at Boston’s Pine Street Inn, in Boston, Massachusetts. Each month for 15 years before retiring in late 2025, Judge Coffey transformed a room at the Pine Street Inn homeless shelter into a courtroom where people experiencing homelessness, facing misdemeanors, nonviolent felonies, or default warrants, could come before her to be heard and have their cases adjudicated, allowing individuals to rebuild self-respect through employment, housing, and other opportunities.
Our Honorable Mentions in the categories of Empathy, Compassion, and Kindness are:
–The Cancer Cartel in Enumclaw, Washington. Founded by three remarkable cancer survivors (Warriors), Kerry Solmonsen, Katy Tinney-Olson, and Shelly Tinney-Miller, this national non-profit was born from their firsthand experience of how wellness and financial considerations can be at odds. In its Mission Statement, it states: “Cancer Cartel provides financial resources to cancer Warriors.” We want anyone in the battle against cancer to be able to focus all of their energy on getting well and not on how much having cancer is costing them. From gas money to groceries, power bills to mortgage payments, we are fighting to tear down financial barriers to wellness. (They depend on grants, strategic partnerships, and donations, which are passed directly to cancer Warriors, and all operating costs are underwritten.)
–Michael Airhart, founder of Chicago’s Taste for the Homeless. Airhart’s nonprofit provides services to help homeless people and those living in shelters become contributing citizens by providing hot meals, clothing, hygiene items, and social services. He said it is a calling for him, as he could not just walk past people in need without helping. His organization has grown with the aid of many kind people who are attracted to his goodness.
–Hector and Diane Corona are the founders of City Kids Camp in Chicago. It is a free summer camp for children from economically disadvantaged communities, allowing them to experience a true outdoor adventure in a peaceful environment. They recognized the healing power of nature, just allowing kids to be kids, away from the cares of the city.
These descriptions are but a thumbnail introduction of what each of the Winners and Honorable Mentions bring to the world. On April 4th, when we celebrate these everyday heroes in person and introduce them to each other, our inaugural honorees will show what it truly means to “give a FECK.” Their stories remind us that each of us has the power to uplift others and help create a kinder and more compassionate world.
Join us for an inspiring evening of storytelling, celebration, and community, honoring these remarkable individuals and the values they represent. Reception begins at 6 pm CT, followed by dinner and the awards show at 6:30 pm CT.
For full event details and to order tickets, visit GiveAFECK.com.
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