Charter, together with USA Network, announced the launch of the third Characters Unite Awards, part of USA’s ongoing public affairs campaign to address social injustices and bridge cultural divides. Kicking off during Characters Unite Month in February, a time when the Network shines a special spotlight on the importance of combating hate and discrimination, the program recognizes extraordinary individuals who have made significant and lasting efforts to champion civil and human rights in their communities. In addition to the awards, the campaign will also include new public service announcements, original programming, the documentary “NFL Characters Unite,” digital content, events across the country, and more.
“Charter values its relationship with USA Network and the Characters Unite Awards, which acknowledges the outstanding efforts of extraordinary individuals working tirelessly to promote tolerance and respect in our local communities,” said Gregory A. Garabedian, Charter’s Vice President and General Manager for New England.
The nomination period for the 2013 Characters Unite Awards is currently underway and runs through March 15. Entries, including a maximum 500-word essay on how the nominee meets the criteria of character, impact and influence, can be submitted online at charactersunite.com. Complete rules and regulations are also posted on the website.
Winners, announced in the spring, will receive $5,000 grants to support their project or related nonprofit organization and will be featured by USA on-air and online. They will also be honored this year at a local market ceremony presented by Charter and USA.
Last year, ten Characters Unite Awards recipients were selected from hundreds of nominees for their successful efforts to combat prejudice and discrimination in their communities. 2012’s winners included Founder of Friends of Gabe & Izzy, Gabrielle Ford, of Flint, MI. As a child, Gabrielle loved dance and dreamed of becoming a prima ballerina. That dream was shattered by a rare genetic neuromuscular disease, Friedreich’s Ataxia, that would eventually place her in a wheelchair. Gabe not only struggled with the devastation of the illness, but also endured constant and cruel bullying from classmates. The constant torment took her on a path of depression and isolation. That all changed when Izzy, a long-eared coonhound pup, entered Gabe’s life. Izzy became Gabe’s best friend and constant companion. When this special friend mysteriously developed a condition mirroring Gabe’s, Gabe re-entered the world to get Izzy the best treatment available. Speaking out for the voiceless Izzy gave her the courage to speak out for another voiceless group: the thousands of children bullied in American schools every day. Through countless personal trials, Gabe found her way back to the stage as an outspoken advocate against school bullying and has been encouraging and inspiring children all across the country by sharing her story during the last 11 years. www.gabeandizzy.com
To learn more about previous Characters Unite Award recipients or to find more information on Characters Unite, visit charactersunite.com
