Augusta’s Irish American Heritage Society received an international award for its Heritage in Motion program.
The organization received an Anthem Award in the Education, Art & Culture category for Local Community Engagement, according to a Nov. 19 news release. An independent panel of judges from the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences selected the winners who were recognized at a ceremony in New York City.
The award recognizes the organization’s work during its season-long 2025 St. Patrick’s Day programming, which includes Augusta’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Grand Marshal Ball and more than 10 public and society events, educational programs, performances, community collaborations and volunteer-driven initiatives, the release said.
“Hundreds of volunteers and many regional partners contributed to the work, supported by more than fifteen formal partnerships across civic, religious, educational, and cultural sectors. The effort strengthened relationships with faith communities, city officials, the Irish Consulate, and local institutions, all aimed at building a more connected, welcoming, and engaged community,” according to the release.
See more of Augusta Good News coverage of the Irish American Heritage Society in these links: Dignitaries for 2025 events here; 2025 Patrick Walsh statue ceremony here;. scenes the 2024 St. Patrick’s Day parade here; Irish Lady of the Year Tea 2024 here.
“This award reflects what a community can do when people step up together,” said Past President Sean Mooney. “Every event, every partnership, every volunteer made this possible, and we’re grateful to see that work recognized on their behalf.”
Mooney, who served as the organization’s president in 2024-2025, along with Tim Regan who served as president in 2001-2002 accepted the award.
“The 5th Annual Anthem Awards celebrate people and organizations driving positive social impact worldwide,” the news release said.
The International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences membership includes leaders such as Nancy Brown (CEO, American Heart Association), Asha Curran (CEO, GivingTuesday), Ashley Judd (author, actor, and social justice humanitarian), and Darren Walker (President, Ford Foundation). Past Anthem Award honorees include organizations like Patagonia, Sesame Workshop, The New York Times and Amnesty International, as well as public figures such as Matt Damon, Dr. Jane Goodall and Kevin Bacon.
“Being recognized alongside this group underscores the meaningful impact of the Society’s work here in Augusta,” the news release said.
There are multiple categories of awards, and in 2024, there were more than “2,300 submissions from 44 countries around the world, 10,000+ reviews from our jurors, and over 33,000 supporters in the Anthem Community Voice,” according to the awards website.
“The Anthem Awards is the largest and most comprehensive social impact award, accepting work across five areas of impact work including: Awareness, Fundraising, Community Engagement, Product, Innovation & Service and Team & Internal Initiatives for seven causes: Diversity Equity & Inclusion, Education Art & Culture, Health, Human & Civil Rights, Humanitarian Action & Services, Responsible Technology, and Sustainability Climate & Environment. By amplifying the voices that spark global change, we’re defining a new benchmark for impactful work that inspires others to take action in their own communities” the website said.
