On Friday May 18, 2012, approximately 150 neighborhood group leaders and stakeholders attended the 3rd Annual 2012 STAR Awards Expo at the I Hotel. The Expo included 29 vendors consisting of resource providers, neighborhood groups, City departments and community partners who provided resource and program information. These events also provided an excellent opportunity for individuals to network and meet other leaders from throughout the City. The 2012 STAR Awards hosted by the City of Champaign Neighborhood Services Advisory Board and WCIA News Channel 3 Anchor Dave Benton recognized 34 honorees and 9 Star Award recipients for their exemplary deeds and work over the last year. Entertainment was provided in cooperation with the Krannert Center for Performing Arts with performances by Ms. Alexis Gwin, a soloist who sang a rousing version of the National Anthem, Delsifinada, a seven piece Latin Bosanova Jazz band who provide music throughout the event, and Yusef Taleq, a doctoral student who performed a spoken word piece written to commemorate the spirit of the STAR event.
