Our next recipient has been in the community for over 20 years. He has presented classes for our communities in NC, SC, TN, and VA.

 The numerous emails we received spoke eloquently to his contributions both personal and social.  A few of them said:

“He is a counselor and mentor to many in the community and conducts Himself with great honor and integrity.”

“He has shown amazing desire to reach out to others to teach and instruct them in safety and developing quality relationships within the community.”

“Respect is something that is earned over time.  It comes from how you present yourself and how others perceive you and does not or should not come from self promotion.  He is humble and always makes sure others get credit for hard work.  I have been in the lifestyle for many years but it has only been the last 3 that I have come to understand submission and all that goes along with it.  That growth is a direct result from his efforts.  “

"He has been instrumental in the development and continuation of CAPEX since its second year.  CAPEX has benefited from his hard work, leadership, direction and purpose.  He has held various positions and his contribution has been invaluable to their organization through thick and thin and their SIGs."

One of the quotes we found most moving was:

“He has been the model Dom that all could try to aspire to be. His kindness, and open heart have helped many not only in CAPEX but also in life. He has truly changed the lives of all in our community for the better and W/we all owe Him a great thanks.”

We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.  We’re proud to present the Jack Stice Memorial Community Service Award to NC Master.

*****

Four years ago, when the Middle Tennessee leather community was in need of new avenues for growth, a small group of dedicated individuals formed a 501c7 non-profit corporation with the express purpose of establishing a pansexual, world-class dungeon in Middle Tennessee. After many setbacks, a lot of persistence and tons of elbow grease, this dungeon opened in September 2005. Within six months, the facility was operating in the black and now continues to provide a facility for the local community that is open every Friday and Saturday evening throughout the year with the exception of the weekend closest to Christmas.

Their opening event was a fundraiser for the victims of the tragic Hurricane Katrina that had recently stuck. That night all proceeds were donated to the American Red Cross' Katrina relief efforts. The community raised more than $800 that became $1600 when donated through a members employer who matched the funds.

Each December, they host a fund-raising event for the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom. To date, these events, featuring a silent auction, have raised in excess of $2,000 for NCSF.  They have supported Nashville Pride, SELF, and have plans to support future events including Frolicon.

In late 2006, the local lifestyle educational organization ceased operations. By early 2007, they began offering monthly educational seminars featuring a mix of local and nationally known individuals speaking on a wide variety of topics of interest to the local community. These educational events, held on the first Saturday of every month, are open to anyone who is interested, whether or not they are a member of the organization. Their membership has grown to almost 250 members since opening and they have fostered a belief in the concept of an extended shepherding Leather Family with the safety, protection, and learning that goes along with that. They have grown to serve all aspects of the community with socials, mixers, balls, galas, munches, and classes as well as various out-reach programs.   

They have a solid reputation for cleanliness, openness, inreach and outreach in their region. Consequently, visitors regularly travel from across the region and across the U.S. to experience all they have to offer.

One of the nominations received stated, “When I first came with a friend to this dungeon I was really shy.  I didn’t say a lot to people and pretty much had always felt like a complete outsider.  I had so many people welcome me and become a part of my life.  Everything is different now and I’m not shy anymore.  I do all sorts of things I never thought I would do.  They changed my life so much.”

Because of the successes in community building, outreach, education and charitable activities, we’re proud to award the Jack Stice Memorial Community Service Award to The Mark of Nashville, TN.

*****

Our next recipient has been a member of the community for almost 15 years.  His contributions to various communities span gender and sexual preference have been felt from coast to coast. 

He served—for a year each—as co-producer for Florida Leather Sir/boy and as producer for N. Florida Drummer to support and continue the traditions and ideals behind these titles. He was Florida Drummer in 1995 and Mr. Suncoast Eagle in 2002.  He was also the recipient of  Pantheon's Florida Regional Award in 2006. He has generously used his artistic talent to support those in financial need such as:  Master Doug Harris of the Sanctuary in the form of a rendering of his Master’s Cap, Ms. Khiki and slave samantha during their International Master/slave title year by creating a greeting card version of their portrait, and  Ms. Karen McGhee during her Ms. World Leather title year by creating a greeting card version of her portrait to assist her in raising funds for HIV-infected homeless people to name a few.In his capacity as portrait artist for five contests including ImSL, Ms. World Leather, International Leather Sir/boy, International Master/slave and Mr. Toronto Leather), he has created portraits that have captured the essence of these titleholders who have so faithfully served our community, gifting them with a tangible memory and symbol of their title year. He has also donated several of his preliminary drawings of these titleholders to the Leather Archives and Museum.He hosted and facilitated BDSM education and support classes at River City Dungeon in Jacksonville from 2003-2005 and has hosted and facilitated MaST meetings in Jacksonville, Fl. For the past three years.He established the Castro Street Arts Foundation to support art/erotic artists in the BDSM community.  While his efforts to give to various communities has brought awareness, needed funds and lasting contributions, he has personally given of himself as well.In the letters received, this is what some shared:

“He is a tremendous force and role model here in Jacksonville.”

“He is a man of his word, leads by example and holds himself to the same high standards that he expects from those around him.  He has nurtured and mentored many in the community over the last 15 years.  “

“He has given time, energy and attention to mentor and encourage many in his local community, helping them to grow and blossom so that they, in turn, could contribute their enthusiasm, talent and energy to the betterment of their communities. His straight-forward character, grace, integrity and devotion to the leather lifestyle are reflected not just in what he says, but in his actions. In these ways, Ray carries on the spirit and high standards Jack exhibited throughout his life.”

For his personal and professional contributions to the southeast and beyond, we’re proud to award the Jack Stice Memorial Community Service Award to Mr. Ray Castro.