Heart Of Del Ray 2024 Award Nominations Open

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Plentiful businesses and organizations contribute to the small town fabric of Del Ray, and they continue to be recognized through the annual Heart of Del Ray award.

Nominations are open for the Heart of Del Ray award, which goes to a business or organization representing the "heart and soul of Del Ray." The Del Ray Business Association organizes the annual award.

According to the business association, "nominations should be based on which business best demonstrates a warm and welcoming attitude to the community and customers, their commitment and generosity to the community, and to their overall contribution to what makes Del Ray the best place in the world to eat, live, work and shop."

Nominations are due by 5 p.m. on Jan. 31. Five finalists for the 2024 Heart of Del Ray award will be announced on Feb. 2. Public voting on the finalists will happen from Feb. 2 to 7, and the winner will be presented with the heart-shaped award on Feb. 9.

Last year's award went to the volunteer-organized Del Ray Farmers Market, marking the second award for market manager and Art on the Avenue founder Pat Miller. Miller won the Heart of Del Ray in 2009 for her former business A Show of Hands. She is also the namesake of the Pat Miller Neighborhood Square at Mount Vernon and Oxford Avenues where the farmers market is hosted.

Other past winners of the award have been Jen Walker of McEnearney Associates, Bobi Bomar Homes of Alexandria, The Neighborhood Pharmacy of Del Ray, Greener Cleaner of Del Ray, Del Ray Pizzeria, Mind the Mat Pilates & Yoga, Caboose Cafe, Del Ray Cafe, HomeGrown Restaurant Group, Taqueria Poblano, Ms. Preeti's 7-11, Dolce & Bean and Lena's Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap.