35-area individuals and organizations were honored in downtown Buffalo Thursday by the National Federation for Just Communities.
The NFJC held its annual Community Leader awards ceremony at the Buffalo Convention Center.
Among some of the categories individuals were recognized from included business, education, health care and interfaith communities.
WBFO's co-host of Theatre Talk -- Anthony Chase -- who also serves as assistant dean of Arts and Humanities at Buffalo State and theatre editor at Artvoice -- was honored in the Arts category.
"It's very humbling," said Chase. "So many people from so many different walks of life contributing things to make this a wonderful place to live. This is a magnificent organization. Just the name of it -- National Federation for Just Communities -- I feel that is where we live."
13-young men and women received 2012 Youth Awards for their volunteer work through a variety of programs in the Western New York community.
Also honored, wife of Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson, Mary Wilson. Mrs. Wilson was recognized for her work with community sports programs.
The Buffalo Sabres were honored in the corporate category and Buffalo's Legal Aid Bureau was recognized as a community organization by the NJFC.