"A strong society is created by people who stand up for others." These words by Frankfurt's Lord Mayor Mike Josef were the focus of a festive ceremony in the Kaisersaal of the Römer on Monday, October 28, in which five Frankfurt citizens were awarded the Citizens' Medal for their outstanding voluntary work. Together with Hilime Arslaner, Head of the City Council, the Lord Mayor presented the medals to Reinhard Hoffmann, Uta Endreß, Andrea Freifrau von Bethmann, Klaus-Jürgen Orth and Clemens Greve.
"Volunteering is the backbone of our community", said Josef, acknowledging the importance of the tireless commitment of the honorees. Their commitment is essential for cohesion in society, he emphasized, pointing out that a strong society is not created by economic success or political influence alone, but by people who dedicate their time and energy to others. City Councillor Arslaner agreed with him and praised the award winners
for taking responsibility and strengthening trust in the community through their work.
Insights into the commitment of the honorees
Reinhard Hoffmann has been involved with the Frankfurter Tafel since 2008 and tirelessly provides help that goes far beyond the normal level. His commitment makes him a central figure among the more than 200 volunteers at the food bank. Arslaner described Hoffmann as an "impressive example of how a single person can positively change the lives of many people through dedication and energy".
Born in 1935, Uta Endreß has been active for over 20 years and works on the board of the Griesheim History Society as well as in many other voluntary positions. Her historical work and the publication of the annual Griesheim calendar keep the history of the district alive. Mayor Josef emphasized how important this commitment is in order to give future generations access to the city's history.
Andrea Freifrau von Bethmann has been committed to preserving Frankfurt's cultural heritage since 1996 and supports numerous institutions. Her work for the Historisches Museum Frankfurt, where she has been active since 2008, is particularly noteworthy. Ina Hartwig, Head of the Department of Culture and Science, praised von Bethmann's commitment as "conducive to dialogue about our common future" and as a significant contribution to the city's cultural life.
Klaus-Jürgen Orth, founder of the MainLichtblick association, makes a decisive contribution to supporting sick and traumatized children and young people. According to Josef, his work is invaluable for the weakest members of society and embodies the ideal of social cohesion.
Since 1997, Clemens Greve has been shaping cultural life at the Holzhausenschlösschen as head of the Frankfurt Community Foundation. Lord Mayor Josef emphasized that Greve enriches the city far beyond its borders. Head of Department Hartwig added that Greve's commitment is an example of how cultural work can also bear social responsibility by creating spaces for encounters and dialog, for example through projects to support refugees.
A sign of cohesion and social commitment
With the Citizens' Medal, which is awarded annually to up to five people for outstanding voluntary work, the City of Frankfurt honors those who form the foundation of a strong community. "Without people like you, our city society would not function at all", emphasized Arslaner and thanked the honorees on behalf of the city for their commitment.
With this award, the city of Frankfurt recognizes the commitment of citizens who set an example of social cohesion through their actions.
