Willich receives Unsung Hero Award

Historic City News has learned that Richard Willich, Chairman and CEO of MDI Holdings, Inc., was presented with the first annual “Unsung Hero Award” by the Lincolnville Street Fair Committee honoring his many contributions to the community.

John Regan, St. Augustine City Manager, and Lynn Straughan, president of The Cyprian Center for Expressive Arts, presented the award to Willich in St. Augustine on Friday.

Also in attendance were Rick Ambrose, Sissy Horn and Sue Agressa, members of the Lincolnville Board, as well as their Outstanding Youth Volunteer, Daniel Carter.

Since moving to St. Johns County, Willich has turned his attention particularly to local causes. Beneficiaries of his generosity range from Willich Kids Bridge and the St. Augustine Lighthouse, to the St. Johns County public schools.

Many of the children living in Lincolnville attend Ketterlinus Elementary School, one of the schools selected to participate in the TIP Project (Touch-Screen Interactive Program). The TIP Project is a technology based program Richard created that provides iPads and iPod Touches to Elementary Schools in St. Johns County. The goal of this program is to improve the learning skills of third and fourth grade students. This program is currently in three schools; Crookshank Elementary, Ketterlinus Elementary, and Timberlin Creek Elementary.

When asked about why Willich was chosen to receive this award, Lynn Straughan said “Richard Willich was selected as the first County Wide Unsung Hero because of his compassion and commitment to those in need, whether it is the children who visit their parents at Willich Kids Bridge, or youngsters in need of additional learning tools. Richard saw these areas of concern and stepped up to help. His commitment to our community is changing the lives of so many on a daily basis and will continue to do so for years to come.”

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News contributed photograph by Richard Willich