Aundrae Russell honors Arzum Ayse Inanoglu with prestigious Stevie Wonder award

In Los Angeles on December 11, 2024, the We Are You Foundation, founded by the legendary musician Stevie Wonder, celebrated the achievements of Arzum Ayse Inanoglu, who was presented with the esteemed Stevie Wonder Star Student Award. This accolade, presented by Aundrae Russell, CEO of We Are You Foundation, commemorates individuals who demonstrate exceptional qualities while benefitting from the initiatives of Wayfinder Family Services, a nonprofit organization. The event occurred during a holiday celebration, bringing together families involved in various programs aimed at supporting children and adults with vision impairment and disabilities. The Stevie Wonder Star Student Award was instituted in 2014 to honor the longstanding contributions and board membership of Stevie Wonder while recognizing Wayfinder Family Services' 60 years of dedicated service to the community. This year's recipient, Arzum Ayse Inanoglu, recently faced total vision loss but participated in the Camp Bloomfield program, showcasing her incredible resilience. Counselors and other campers noted her bravery and her ability to foster an environment of appreciation and empathy among her peers. Russell highlighted these qualities in his remarks during the award presentation, expressing admiration for the impact that her attitude has on those around her. Post-ceremony, Russell also contributed a significant donation to Wayfinder Family Services, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the efforts of parents and families engaged in the nonprofit’s mission. Jay Allen, the president and CEO of Wayfinder, acknowledged the tremendous support provided by Stevie Wonder and the foundation, stating that they have been pivotal to the organization’s impactful work that benefits countless deserving families. The holiday celebration served not only as an award recognition event but also as a reminder of the vital roles played by community organizations, parents, and supportive figures in the lives of those facing challenges. Wayfinder Family Services is committed to continuing its mission to assist individuals with vision impairments and disabilities, aligning with the philanthropic values of individuals like Stevie Wonder, who have invested their time and resources to make a substantial difference in this field.