CORE Foundation Celebrates Community Heroes

Contributed by CORE

CORE Cause of the Year Winner was the Reston Stars. Pictured from left to right: Daniel Park, Audrey Nord-Murphy, Liam Birch, and Doug Bushée. Photo by Alex Doty.

CORE Foundation held its annual Giving Gala & Impact Awards Dec. 8, at Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse, honoring remarkable contributions to the community. The event highlighted CORE Foundation's 18 years of empowering charitable projects that drive positive change.

The honorees were: CORE Cause Rookie of the Year: The Green Lizard Foundation, CORE Cause of the Year: Reston Stars, Impact Award Recipients: Avery McCusker & LucyLynn Tombul, and Volunteers of the Year: Dan Clarke and Teresa Keller. “These honorees embody the true spirit of #BeTheChange,” said Doug Bushée, CORE Foundation Founder. “Their dedication and collaboration demonstrate the power of community action.”

The evening featured inspiring stories, live entertainment, and support for CORE Foundation's mission. Platinum Partner Reston Community Center (RCC), celebrating its 45th anniversary, was integral to the event's success. RCC's programs in aquatics, arts, and lifelong learning align with CORE Foundation’s vision of creating a better future.

CORE Foundation, based in Reston, serves as a charitable incubator, providing resources and mentorship to social entrepreneurs. Learn more about CORE Foundation and the awardees at corefoundation.org/giving-gala.