Article Text
Del. David Bulova received the Congressman Gerry Connolly Spirit of Hope Award on Oct. 3, becoming the first recipient since the honor was renamed for the late Northern Virginia congressman.
Pathway Homes presented the award during its annual awards breakfast. The nonprofit provides safe, stable housing for people living with mental illness and those affected by poverty and inequity.
Previously known as the Pathway Homes Spirit of Hope Award, the honor recognizes a leader who has supported people recovering from mental illnesses.
“I’m truly honored,” Bulova, a Democrat representing the 11th District, said. “This is an organization that has touched my heart.”
Bulova said the ceremony was especially meaningful because the award now bears the name of Congressman Gerry Connolly. He thanked Pathway Homes for giving people hope and helping them feel empowered and valued during difficult periods.
Connolly died of cancer in May at age 75. He served 14 years on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, including five years as chairman, before spending more than 16 years in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Attendees included Connolly’s widow, Smitty Connolly; U.S. Rep. James Walkinshaw, who succeeded him in Congress; and Fairfax City Mayor Catherine Read, who received the award last year.