Contact:  Katherine Benoit, One World Award Gala Co-Chair
                   KatherineBenoit@gmail.com or 248-225-7378

The ONE WORLD AWARD (OWA) is the Sister Cities Association of Sarasota’s (SCAS) premier international award that honors one remarkable individual and one organization in our community that have enhanced peace, understanding, and respect among citizens of the world through their extraordinary work or volunteer service. This award shines the spotlight on individuals and organizations that have demonstrated their continued ability to create and maintain strong bonds of peace and understanding among the world’s citizens.

The 2021 OWA Individual Award recipient is the Principal Artistic Director of the Sarasota Opera – Maestro Victor DeRenzi for his spectacular accomplishment of the 28-year Verdi Cycle; and the OWA Organization Award recipient is the Sarasota Opera for their partnership in this endeavor. Mr. Richard Russell, the Executive Director will accept the award for the Opera.

“The One World Award Gala” will be held at Michael’s On East on Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021 at 5 p.m. The gala will be opened by City Commissioner Liz Alpert and begins with a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by entertainment from the Sarasota Youth Orchestra and dinner. 

Sarasota Sister Cities cordially invites you, and the public to join us for this exceptional event.  Ticket information is available at  https://SarasotaSisterCities.org. Early bird ticket sales end Sept. 30 and all sales conclude Oct. 31.

Media inquiries and event information should be directed to Katherine Benoit, OWA Gala Co-Chair:  248-225-7378  

About Sister Cities Association of Sarasota: Sarasota Sister Cities is a local nonprofit citizen diplomacy network that works to promote and strengthen ties between Sarasota our eight international Sister and Friendship cities: Perpignan, France; Dunfermline, Scotland; Vladimir, Russia, Tel Mond, Israel; Xiamen, Siming District, China; Mérida, Yucatán, México; Rapperswil-Jona, Switzerland; and Busetto, Italy (the home of Maestro Giuseppe Verdi).

These relationships provide the foundation for cooperation between our cities through educational, cultural, business, municipal, technical, and professional projects, and exchanges.

Learn more at  SarasotaSisterCities.org