By Staff
AWARD WINNER Meridian native and award-winning actress Sela Ward, left, accepts the Junior Auxiliary's 2002 "Humanitarian of the Year" award from Clair Huff, the organization's president, at cottage No. 2 at Hope Village for Children. In the background is a painting drawn by Ward that hangs in the living room of the cottage. Photo by Fredie Carmichael / The Meridian Star
By Steve Gillespie/staff writer
Feb. 4, 2002
Sela Ward is the Meridian Junior Auxiliary's 2002 Humanitarian Award recipient.
The Emmy Award-winning actress and Meridian native was chosen by the auxiliary membership primarily because of her involvement with Hope Village for Children. The award was announced today.
The Junior Auxiliary gives the award annually to a person, organization or business in recognition of time, talent and effort contributed to the betterment of the community.
The auxiliary makes a $1,000 donation to the children's charity of the award recipient's choice.
Ward has earned two Emmy Awards for Best Actress in a Drama for her portrayal of Lily Manning on the ABC series "Once and Again."
She also earned a Golden Globe for her work on the series. Her first Emmy came in 1994 as Best Actress in a Drama for her role as Teddy on the NBC series "Sisters."
Ward has appeared in a number of television movies and feature films, including "Almost Golden: The Jessica Savitch Story," "The Fugitive" and "54."
Ward also devotes much of her time to Hope Village for Children, which provides shelter and guidance to abused and neglected children in Meridian.
With a grant from the Entertainment Industry Foundation, Hope Village was able to purchase and renovate the abandoned Masonic Home. Ward also has worked to secure funding to restore the Grand Opera House and increase further downtown investments.
Ward will be honored with a tribute at the auxiliary's annual Charity Ball on Saturday. This year's theme is "Children Are Our Future."
The ball will be at the Frank Cochran Center beginning with a pre-ball party from 7:30 p.m.-9 p.m. The ball, featuring the "Band of Oz," will take place from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Tickets are $80 a couple and $40 for individuals. To purchase tickets, call Delita Waldron at 483-8062.
The Junior Auxiliary is active in area schools, the Care Lodge and Hope Village for Children, providing programs and doing volunteer work. The organization also purchases needed items for underprivileged children throughout the year.