Mote, Cuddy to be honored at Leadership Vestavia Hills banquet

Leadership Vestavia Hills will present its annual Community Awards on Tuesday, Feb. 27, honoring JoAnne Mote with the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Valerie McLean Cuddy with Citizen of the Year.

This will be the 28th annual banquet for the community group, and will be held at 6 p.m. at Vestavia Country Club.

Mote is a long-time resident of Vestavia Hills, whose family owns two Vestavia businesses: Hollywood Pools and American Pest Control. She has also served as a member of the board of Glenwood Autism and Behavioral Health Center for several years, and has volunteered at countless community events.

"She has played an energetic and active role in many events and organizations past and present,"  according to the Leadership official press release, "including Viva Vestavia, the Vestavia Christmas parade, I Love America Day, Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce and the Vestavia Hills Historical Society."

Cuddy, owner of the area's Trak Shak shops, an entrepreneur and running enthusiast, is ultimately the one responsible for Birmingham's Mercedes Marathon. Cuddy organized the half marathon to benefit The Bell Center that eventually evolved into the Mercedes Marathon, and is also responsible for winning the bid to host the 2003 U.S. men’s marathon national championship and the 2004 U.S. men’s marathon Olympic trials.

Tickets for the event are $50, and more information about tickets and sponsorships can be found at leadershipvestaviahills.com.