Kaufman in the News
George Heartwell receives Interfaith Leadership Award
April 06, 2016
Former mayor George Heartwell received the Sylvia Kaufman Interfaith
Leadership Award for 2016. He was recognized for his early work in
establishing one of the first Habitat for Humanity chapters outside of
Georgia as well as for his ministry to the Heartside community for 14
years prior to his being elected as the mayor of Grand Rapids. His
declaration of the 2012 Year of Interfaith Understanding initiated a
community-wide focus on interfaith that led to over 300 events and
recognition nationally. He also declared the Year of Interfaith
Service in 2015 for which service activities continue on an interfaith
basis.
The award was created in 2014 and named for Sylvia
Kaufman, founder of the Kaufman Interfaith Institute and active in
promoting interfaith understanding and acceptance for over 25 years.
The award was presented to George Heartwell by her son, Greg Kaufman.