The RICE Awards Foundation 501c3

The RICE Awards Foundation 501c3 “We Honor The Unsung Heros of Communities”
- The RICE Awards! The RICE Awards Foundation is an IRS certified non-profit organization. Business of The Year
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We were granted 501(c)(3) status in 2016 and continue to broaden our reach as we endeavor to spotlight the many American citizens and organizations that work so diligently to bring change in our communities. The Rising In Community Excellence Award is given to individuals who exemplify professional excellence while edifying the community. RICE Award nominees are innovative and charitable visionaries who recognize the importance of their presence and contribution to the community. The RICE Honoree Awards (TORCH Award) is given to community trailblazers who have led the way in community change. They have faced adversity head-on, and won countless victories on behalf of our families. They have stood in the gap spiritually and physically to ensure that our community has the necessities for survival and that it is treated fairly. Nominees are selected by a panel of industry professionals, community leaders and everyday citizens. Each category is about a community leader who has used their position to develop or implement programs that have changed the face of our communities. The nominees are selected in the following areas:

1. Sports & Entertainment
3. Non-Profit
4. Civil Servant of The Year
5. Social Impact / Community Engagement
6. Foundation of The Year
7. Publication of The Year
8. Outstanding In Media
9. Music and Arts
10. Health and Wellness
11. Beauty and Fashion
12. Founders Rising Star
13. Youth Achiever of The Year
14. Educator of The Year
15. TV & Film
16. Influencer of The Year
17. Entrepreneur of The Year


The nominations phase has now open for 2022 until August 8th. Send Nominations to [email protected]

Thank You

On this during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we salute RICE Award winner Maxine Simmons McDaniel—a 15-year breast can...
10/09/2026

On this during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we salute RICE Award winner Maxine Simmons McDaniel—a 15-year breast cancer survivor and Cancer Hero whose commitment to uplifting other survivors continues to inspire! 💗 She’s still raising awareness and funds for survivors served by the Tickled Past Pink Foundation through “Laughter Heals: A Clean Comedy Show,” happening tomorrow, Saturday, October 10, at Georgia Piedmont Technical College Conference Center, 495 N Indian Creek Road in Clarkston—doors open at 5:30 PM, showtime is 7 PM, and tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Today on this page, we’ll replay her unforgettable RICE Awards winning experience in one combined video featuring her Foundation of the Year acceptance speech and red-carpet interview—celebrating a woman whose impact reaches far beyond the awards stage!

10/08/2026

🎀 TBT: April Love—Turning Her Breast Cancer Journey Into Hope for Others

This Throwback Thursday, we revisit the 15th Annual RICE Awards at Atlanta City Hall on September 27, 2025, to salute TORCH honoree April Love, founder of The Pink Awards. In this heartfelt interview, April reflects on 15 years of breast cancer survivorship and how her personal journey inspired a platform celebrating health awareness, community and Black excellence—a message especially meaningful during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Thank you to interviewer Fiona Mesha and Downtown Hott Radio for capturing April’s story at this celebration presented by RICE Awards Founder Dr. C. Chandon Carterr, honoring those whose service continues to uplift others.

10/08/2026

Curtis Butler III: A Warrior for Veterans | 2026 RICE Awards Influencer of the Year

His service to others continued long after he took off the uniform. We proudly salute U.S. Army veteran, author and community advocate Curtis Butler III, the 2026 RICE Awards Influencer of the Year—a man whose personal journey gives powerful meaning to his commitment to helping others.

In this red carpet conversation with Keisha “K Marie” Spencer of Hype Me Up K Marie, Curtis highlights his book, “A Warrior Married to His Wife and PTSD,” and his desire to support fellow veterans. “I got tired of being tired,” he says—a brief but revealing statement from someone who has turned difficult experiences into a reason to speak up and serve.

His compassion has also taken tangible form. After experiencing homelessness himself, Curtis made headlines in 2012 for paying the electric bills of strangers in Stockbridge, Georgia, helping families facing financial hardship keep their lights on. That history of generosity adds depth to this recognition: his influence reaches people at moments when practical help can make an extraordinary difference.

Curtis also shares that he serves as the family bodyguard for the legendary Kool & the Gang—another fascinating dimension of the man behind the honor.

Recorded at the 16th Annual RICE Awards, presented by Founder and CEO Dr. C. Chandon Carter and chaired by Attorney Brian Poe, at the iconic Atlanta City Hall atrium on September 26, 2026.

Congratulations, Curtis! We honor your service, your resilience and your willingness to use your voice and your resources to lift others. We jointly thank Carolyn Louise Herring-Moore and Debbie Ireland for nominating Mr. Butler.

🎤 Interview: Keisha “K Marie” Spencer
🎥 Original video credit: Hype Me Up K Marie |

10/08/2026

We are proud to celebrate Darron McDaniel of EPIC ATL Transportation, a 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year nominee whose professionalism, personal care, and commitment to community reflect the excellence RICE was created to recognize. Joined by his wife and Business Manager, Jade, Darron brings warmth and gratitude to the red carpet, sharing the purpose behind his respected business in his own words: “We love serving the community.” Recorded at the 16th Annual RICE Awards, presented by Founder and CEO Dr. C. Chandon Carter at the iconic Atlanta City Hall atrium on September 26, 2026, this interview is produced and conducted by "Vince The Voice" Bailey, executive produced by RICE Awards Chairman Atty Brian Poe, and sponsored by Georgia Injury Attorneys, “The People’s Champs.”

10/07/2026

At Morris Brown College and through Class of Drones Academy, Dr. John Williams is helping students imagine—and prepare for—new possibilities, while his work with Warrick Dunn’s promotional team helped bring an extraordinary humanitarian to the RICE stage. In this red carpet conversation, the Celebrity Media TV CEO and 2026 RICE Torch Award honoree shares the faith behind his purpose and a powerful reminder: “Everybody is a celebrity.” Recorded at the 16th Annual RICE Awards, presented by Dr. C. Chandon Carter at the iconic Atlanta City Hall Atrium on September 26, 2026, this interview is sponsored by Georgia Injury Attorneys “The People’s Champs,” produced and conducted by "Vince The Voice" Bailey, and executive produced by RICE Awards Chairman Atty Brian Poe.

10/07/2026

His football career made him a legend, and his commitment to helping families has made him a lasting source of hope—watch our red carpet interview with Warrick Dunn (Warrick Dunn Charities), a 2026 Lifetime Achievement honoree of the 16th Annual RICE Awards. Held September 26, 2026 at The Atlanta City Hall.

Red Carpet Host: Vince Bailey
Video Sponsor: Georgia Injury Attorneys, “The People’s Champs.” Executive Producer: Brian Poe, Esq.

10/07/2026

Warrick Dunn’s journey from personal heartbreak to helping families find homes and hope reminds us that a life touched by pain can become a source of healing for others. Watch our red carpet conversation with this NFL legend and 2026 RICE Lifetime Achievement honoree, whose legacy lives in the parents and children given a stronger foundation and a chance to dream again.

With gratitude to Dr. John Williams, this interview is sponsored by Georgia Injury Attorneys, “The People’s Champs,” produced and conducted by "Vince The Voice" Bailey, and executive produced by RICE Awards Chairman Atty Brian Poe.

Join us here today at 10 AM EST as "Vince The Voice" Bailey catches up on the red carpet with NFL legend and humanitaria...
10/07/2026

Join us here today at 10 AM EST as "Vince The Voice" Bailey catches up on the red carpet with NFL legend and humanitarian Warrick Dunn (Warrick Dunn Charities), whose extraordinary legacy of service earned him our 2026 RICE Lifetime Achievement Award.

10/07/2026

From the pulpit to the classroom and the basketball court, Pastor Kareem Katia brings faith, leadership, and a commitment to helping others move forward. Watch this Community Bridge Award nominee’s red carpet interview for a closer look at the man and his dedication to community service. Recorded at the 16th Annual RICE Awards at Atlanta City Hall Atrium on September 26, 2026.

Red Carpet Host: Vince Bailey
Video Sponsor: Georgia Injury Attorneys, “The People’s Champs.” Executive Producer: Brian Poe, Esq.

10/01/2026

Congratulations to the Georgia Innocence Project’s Calvin C. Johnson, Jr. Memorial Fund, winner of Non Profit of the Year at the 16th Annual RICE Awards! We salute founders Judith Johnson Hill and Tara Johnson Burkett for helping innocent people rebuild after wrongful imprisonment, and were delighted to welcome Georgia Innocence Project Executive Director Kristin Nelson Verrill. Thank you to RICE Founder & CEO Dr. C. Chandon Carter, RICE Chairman Attorney Brian Poe, and all our valued sponsors for helping make this celebration possible. Georgia Injury Attorneys—The People’s Champs is a proud sponsor of the RICE Awards and the sponsor of this video. This recognition is especially meaningful to Attorney Poe, GIA’s Chairman & Co-Founder, who knew Calvin and his sisters, and to the firm, which has proudly represented Tara as a client. Watch Judith and Tara’s red carpet interview with Vince “The Voice” Bailey and join us in celebrating Calvin’s enduring legacy! 🏆

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