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LINCOLN, Neb. -- The United States President Joseph R. Biden 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award, along with the Presidential Volunteer Service Award, is being presented to Philipe (Phil) Bruce, Founder and Director of The Bloc, Inc. a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization enhancing the lives of youth and seniors in Omaha and Lincoln, NE on October 21st, 2022.
“Recognizing that the greatness of the state of Nebraska lies in the compassionate actions of everyday Nebraskans, strengthens our community bonds.” – Phil Bruce
The U.S. President’s Call to Service Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest level of the President’s Volunteer Service Award, which is bestowed by the President of the United States to honor individuals and organizations that give more than 4,000 hours helping others through the President’s Council on Service and Civic Presentation.
Originally from Togo, and coming from humble beginnings, Phil’s affinity to help others is as natural as drawing a breath. Phil has spent time volunteering for several organizations including The United Way, Open Door mission, and The Ronald McDonald House to name a few. He served as a Vice President of the Omaha Junior Chamber of Commerce in 2014. In 2015, he joined the Gretna Fire & Rescue team and served the community as a volunteer firefighter. You will also catch him as a repeat volunteer as a poll worker helping others in his community perform their civic duties.
Phil later founded The Bloc, Inc. a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the mission to enhance the lives of youth and seniors in the community. In 2020, The Bloc delivered over a million meals to seniors and families in need, provided over 1,500 hours of professional mental health sessions to community members, and earned the 2020 Steve International Business Award in the Nonprofit category. In 2021 The Bloc, inaugurated the first ever 50 OVER 50 Nebraska Awards; an annual celebration of community members over 50 years old that have and are still contributing to making Nebraska a great state to live, work and raise a family.
“I am very grateful to President Biden for conferring this prestigious award upon me. I am also grateful to President Biden for his stance on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility by signing Executive Order 14035 in 2021.” Said Phil. “Communities that close the DEIA gaps are stronger communities”.