Two organisations with public service outreach goals have been honoured with CableVision's quarterly Community Service Award.

The Epsilon Theta Lambda Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the Bermuda Alumna Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. were honoured this weekend at a banquet attended by the 2008 award recipients and other special guests.

To help support the work of these organisations, the fraternity and sorority each received a $2,000 donation from Bermuda CableVision.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. focuses on mentoring young men to encourage them to strive for educational excellence and to make responsible choices.

The organisation's president, Michael Wellman said: "We are very honoured to receive this award and have our efforts recognised.

"We aim to make a positive impact and challenge students, many of whom may have learning difficulties or behavioural issues.

"The Math Attack Programme helps us to make learning cool and fun for the children."

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a group of college-educated women, have crafted programmes and projects addressing issues specific to Bermuda's community service programmes.

Chartering Member of the Bermuda Alumnae Chapter, Andrea Daniels said: "The overall purpose of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is public service and our members make a lifetime commitment to helping others.

"It is an honour to receive CableVision's Community Service Award. The acknowledgement is certainly encouraging and while we don't go looking for recognition, it certainly feels good."

Guest speaker, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, Paula A. Cox, congratulated both groups at the banquet: "The Bermuda chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority are truly worthy of recognition and praise for their acts of volunteerism in Bermuda's community.

"These two groups inspire Bermuda's most precious asset our youth.

"In helping young men and women reach academic and personal goals, they support the future of our island.

"On behalf of the Government of Bermuda, I congratulate and thank them for their leadership and commitment to the community."

General manager of Bermuda CableVision, Terry Roberson said: "Our two newest award recipients are comprised of inspiring, educated and dedicated men and women who embody the principles of giving back.

"Through volunteering with their respective Bermuda chapters, they show our youth what can result when their potential is encouraged.

"They are mentors and role models. Bermuda CableVision is proud to recognise the local chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority."

Also that night, Leroy Bean, a minister with Transfiguration Ministries, was recognised with the second Rollin Nathan Community Award for his work with troubled youth.

For more than 20 years Mr. Bean has worked with youth, many of whom are caught up in the world of gangs and drugs.

Mr. Bean said: "Most of the youths we see in gangs are focused on money and the status it brings. They see selling drugs as a road to easy money.

"I look at their entrepreneurial abilities and try to channel them in a positive way. There are many success stories, including at least ten people who have left the underground world and gone to college and started legitimate, productive businesses.

"It is my heart's desire to get transformed young people to help other young people. By telling their own stories, they can help keep other youth from taking the same troubled path."

"It is an honour and I am humbled to have the work that I do recognised."

Sales manager with Bermuda CableVision, Rollin Nathan, said: "This additional award recognises people in the community who are changing lives, not necessarily through volunteer work as those individuals are being recognised with the Community Service Award, but through their everyday activities at work.

"It is a privilege to recognise Leroy Bean and to thank him for all that he has done for Bermuda's youth."

Several government officials showed their support by attending, including Minister of Culture and Social Rehabilitation, Dale Butler; Junior Minister of Justice, Michael Scott; Opposition Leader, Kim Swan and Shadow Minister for Community, Cultural Affairs and Race Relations, Senator Gina Spence-Farmer.