Originally published in February 22, 2021 issue.
Thursday, March 18, Virtual
by Lisa Richmon
The 57th annual Tidewater Humanitarian Awards Dinner will take place virtually to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
The Humanitarian Award of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities is presented to those individuals who have demonstrated a personal commitment to the promotion of respect and understanding among people of diverse racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.
Lawrence L. Steingold is a recipient of this year’s award.
A Norfolk native and Norfolk Academy graduate, Steingold credits his late parents, Maurice and Thelma Steingold, as his role models for a lifetime of volunteerism. Their involvement in the arts, sports, and other organizations throughout Tidewater, and their emphasis on education, influenced Steingold and his three brothers to use their time and talent as champions of community enrichment and equality.
Steingold has held and fulfilled multiple roles in several local organizations including serving as president and treasurer for Jewish Family Service of Tidewater; treasurer at Ohef Sholom Temple; chair of Tidewater Jewish Foundation; board member at Beth Sholom Home Foundation; chair of Freda H. Gordon Hospice & Palliative Care of Tidewater; finance committee member for United Jewish Federation of Tidewater; board member for Simon Family JCC; and board member of CHKD Child Abuse and Advocacy Program. He has a long history of volunteering with arts organizations such as Young Audiences, Virginia Opera, and Lyric Opera Virginia. Steingold also currently serves on the board of the Governor’s School for the Arts Foundation and as treasurer of the ViBe Creative Arts District.
“I am sincerely honored to have been chosen by the VCIC as one of its Honorees for the Humanitarian Award this year. Throughout my life, I’ve tried to make a difference by choosing a range of organizations that demonstrate inclusivity, innovation, and leadership. What grounds me as a volunteer comes down to showing respect for an individual as a human being with unique needs, offering comfort and relief to people struggling with daily life, and developing cultural and educational opportunities that recognize and nurture special talent,” says Steingold.
“Having been born in the 1950s and seen racial, religious, ethnic, and other discrimination, I have a deep-rooted sense of obligation to try to help our world evolve positively. My inspiration comes from family roots, from energetic and dynamic leaders throughout Tidewater, and from peers who at our age have now stepped up to positions of leadership.”
Under the leadership of William L. Nusbaum, recipients of the Humanitarian Awards to be honored also include Yvonne T. Allmond, Susan R. Colpitts, Frank J. Hruska, and Ruth T. Jones Nichols. The Distinguished Merit Award will be presented to Hampton Roads Community Foundation.