The Daniel S. Whitebook Mensch Award is the highest honor presented annually at A Light in August. It recognizes individuals whose lives and leadership exemplify the timeless values embodied by the Yiddish word mensch — a person of integrity, humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to serving others.

The award is named in honor of Daniel S. Whitebook, whose lifelong dedication to kindness, generosity, service, and community leadership has touched countless lives. Through his example, he has demonstrated that true leadership is measured not only by personal achievement, but by one's willingness to uplift others, strengthen the community, and lead with humility and compassion.

What It Means to Be a Mensch

A mensch is more than someone who achieves success — a mensch is someone who uses that success to lift others. Recipients are recognized not simply for what they have accomplished, but for how they have accomplished it, with humility, integrity, respect, and a genuine desire to make their community stronger.

Celebrating Lives of Service

Each recipient joins a distinguished and growing legacy of leaders whose character reflects the very spirit of this award and whose example continues to inspire future generations.