Gum Springs Community Center Senior Program participant Vivian Brown, 83, was honored at the third annual Privilege Award and Community Recognition Celebration on April 14, 2024, at George Mason University in Fairfax.

Brown was given the 2024 President's Privilege Award at the event, sponsored by the Bernie L. Bates Foundation, Inc. The foundation is a non-profit part of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, Psi Alpha Alpha Chapter.  The awards are given to Fairfax County community members (staffers, donors or volunteers) whose gifts of time, expertise and resources have significant and positive impact.

 "Ever since Vivian Brown joined the Gum Springs Community Center Senior Program 10 years ago, she has been committed to serving the community," said Gum Springs Community Center Program Director Ty Abilla. "Every year, in preparation for winter, she crochets hats in her own time and donates them to those in need. Countless number of community members have been uplifted by her act of kindness. She is a gem and exemplifies the true meaning of leadership in the community."

Abilla says Brown is a highly dependable volunteer at the Alexandria community center.

"Whether it is our annual back-to-school event, community Thanksgiving dinner, Safe Night Out or toy drive, Vivian is always there during all phases of the planning process, before, during and after. You can always catch her in action setting up and providing her decorative touch to the overall look and feel of each event."

Brown has been a part of the Gum Springs Community Center Advisory Board for five years, gathering the thoughts and concerns of the community and providing her strategic advice to senior management, said Abilla. She also is a member of The Saunders B. Moon Community Action Association, where she assists with coordinating trips, curating community outreach efforts, and donating money towards meaningful causes.