17-05-2025
ODU to honor first responders in region at Crown Gala
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — It will be a night to remember for first responders as Old Dominion University unveils its first-ever Crown Gala Saturday at Chartway Arena, marking the culminating celebration of its National Endowment of the Arts initiative.
Crown is one of 50 programs ODU has created in the last academic year through a $20,000 NEA grant. This final project is dedicated to those who aid and protect Virginia communities.
'I said, we cannot leave out our first responders,' said Millicent Lee, ODU director of community relations. 'And, understanding that with mental health, our first responders can sometimes be a little patchy for them to look at … because they are these superheroes that sometimes are not able to take their capes off.'
Inside Norfolk's Chartway Arena, dozens of first responders will gather from across the region with area leaders, representing 16 localities in the Commonwealth.
'I'm hoping they feel when they walk in the room that everything was done with intention, that every single thing was thought out just for them,' Lee said, 'and that when they walk in, they can maybe loosen their tie even though it's black tie, loosen their tie just a little bit to really take in everything that's going to be done.'
ODU will present 19 public service awards to the first responders, from categories like mental health, leadership and resiliency. The university will also introduce a brand new partnership with the Virginia Beach Police Department's 4th precinct, but its public relations director only gave a hint of the big reveal.
'It's going to be very community-based and community-minded what we're planning on doing with our first responders,' she said. 'And I'm almost willing to say that in the state of Virginia, I don't think anyone else has thought to do this yet.'
U.S. Army veteran and life coach Derick Johnson will deliver the Crown Gala's keynote address, with live entertainment provided by the Fuzz Band. The event starts at 7 p.m. Saturday. It is not open to the public.
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