COLUMBUS Ohio Harry Slatkin, president of home design at Limited Brands in New York City, has won a new award from White Castle System Inc.
The Lighting the Way award will be given to citizens who exemplify “the virtues of giving the best of themselves to make a difference in the lives of others,” according to a statement from the company.
Slatkin was given the award for his advocacy for autism.
Slatkin and his wife, Laura, have established a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing availability and quality of intensive, science-based educational programs for children with autism.
They also founded the first charter school for mental health in New York.
“Harry Slatkin is a really worthy recipient. He comes from a completely different industry, but he really gives his heart and soul in supporting autism research efforts,” said Jamie Richardson, White Castle’s vice president of corporate relations.
“As we’re looking around, with the tough economic climate, we think that it’s more important than ever to recognize great individuals who are making a difference,” Richardson said.
He said White Castle wants to give at least one award annually, but it’s open to giving it more often to people “who are making heroic efforts” to make a difference in the lives of others.
In each instance, donations will be made in the awardee’s honor to a charity of his or her choice in any community where White Castle has a presence.
It will be making a contribution of $5,000 in Slatkin's name to support autism research efforts in Central Ohio.
Contact Bret Thorn at [email protected].
