The Greater Columbia Community Relations Council (CRC) will hold its 46th Annual Luncheon Thursday, March 25, 2010, from 12:30 pm to 2 pm at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln Street. CRC’s mission is to promote racial harmony, embrace cultural and religious diversity, and respond to social and economic issues that impact the lives of people in Columbia, Richland County, and throughout the Midlands. CRC sponsors many communitywide programs and initiatives including housing seminars and workshops, a Fair Housing Month (April) Poster Contest, civil discourse/student forums, gang prevention and intervention, youth leadership training, interfaith dialogue and partnerships, and race reconciliation discussion groups.

In addition to highlighting ongoing activities and projects at the luncheon, CRC will recognize and honor an outstanding citizen with the Hyman Rubin Sr. Distinguished Service Award. This coveted award is presented annually to an individual who has unselfishly served the larger community by promoting racial goodwill and multicultural understanding in a very conspicuous and charitable manner. Past honorees have included Mayor Lester Bates, Modjeska M. Simkins, Judge Matthew J. Perry Jr., Samuel and Inez Tenenbaum, Dr. Cleveland Sellers, Reverends Wendell Estep and Charles B. Jackson Sr., Attorney Stephen Morrison, and Dr. Lonnie Randolph Jr. to name a few. This year’s honoree will remain anonymous until the official presentation is made at the luncheon ceremony.

The Greater Columbia Community Relations Council is a 501(c)(3) organization chartered by the State of South Carolina. Tickets for this event are available to the public at the cost of $35 per person and must be purchased in advance by contacting the CRC office at 803.733.1130.

For more information, contact Preston H. Winkler, CRC Executive Director, at 803-733-1130.