Be The Light Gala
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Award Recipients
Alexis Feliciano
Alexis Feliciano has been working with youth and young adults for over 20 years. She serves as a Youth Minister and worship leader at Abundant Life Church of God in Holbrook, NY. Her and her husband have had the amazing privilege of being overseers for the BASIC (Brothers and Sisters in Christ) Christian club at Stonybrook University since 2021. Minister Alexis has been married for 13 years and shares 3 beautiful children with her husband, Pastor Victor Feliciano. She also has worked in fiscal affairs for the Touro University Physician Assistant Program for over 20 years.
Hershell Haughton
Raised in White Plains, NY, as a first-generation Jamaican-American, Hershell Haughton, Sr.'s early independence and community involvement sparked a lifelong commitment to service. As a construction company's community engagement leader, he annually mentors at W.I.N., hosts a Brooklyn shelter barbecue, volunteers with Publicolor NYC, and leads yearly toy and Thanksgiving drives. A White Plains High School graduate with over 22 years in construction, Hershell supports his community through various groups, his Masonic lodge, church, and as a father to Hershell Jr. and Hunter. He is currently organizing care kits for the homeless.
Dave Narine
Born in Berbice, Guyana in 1965, Dave Narine was raised in a close Christian family that valued education. In 1986, he moved to New York amid political and economic instability. There, he worked in accounting, assisted fellow Guyanese with job placement, and in 1990, married Debbie and founded Dave West Indian Imports. He began by distributing Tunnocks caramel wafers from his taxi and expanded to importing popular Caribbean products. Now a successful entrepreneur, Dave is dedicated to giving back to his New York community and his Guyanese hometown through donations to villages and orphanages.
Victor Feliciano
Victor Feliciano is a pastor at Abundant Life Church of God, where he has served for over 20 years. He is the recipient of the State Senator Thomas D. Croci Hispanic Heritage Award for his impactful work with youth. Victor serves on the Church of God New York State Youth Board. He also serves as the Overseeing Pastor for BASIC College Ministries at Stony Brook University, a role he has held for over four years. Victor and his wife Alexis have been married for 13 years and are the proud parents of three children.
Anthony Otten
Prior to the FDNY, Mr. Otten spent over seven years at NYPCC, delivering mental health workshops to diverse groups and combating stigma. He partnered with NYC schools to support student emotional health and fostered community connections. Mr. Otten's mentorship empowered individuals, and he sought guidance to enhance his service. Now a firefighter, he prioritizes public safety and community well-being. He actively contributes to initiatives like the Anti-bullying Coalition and Suicide Prevention Council, maintaining his commitment to community organizations.
Craig Trotta
Craig Trotta, a 65-year-old, credits the Doe Fund for his second chance after overcoming drug addiction, homelessness, and incarceration in 1997. For 27 years, he's dedicated himself to uplifting others, working at the Doe Fund since November 1997. He serves as an inspiration to participants in the "Ready, Willing, and Able" program and beyond. A productive member of society, he's a husband, father, and grandfather. He honors his late mother's wish to "just do good" by helping others.
Honorary Recipients
Apostle Lionel Etwaru
Apostle Lionel, once rooted in Hinduism, encountered Christ in 1963 and entered ministry a year later. In Guyana, he helped pioneer the Full Gospel Fellowship, now with over 170 churches. With an apostolic calling, he has trained leaders in 26 nations and spoken in 30, including across the U.S. Known for his wisdom and teaching, he inspires believers to reach their God-given potential. Holding degrees in Theology and Christian Counseling, he blends biblical insight with practical guidance. He has served as a teacher, principal, and leader before moving to the U.S. in 1989 to expand his global mission.
Vikrant Bhandari
Vikrant Bhandari leads the AGAPE Mission, founded by his father Vachan after a life-changing encounter with Jesus. Rooted in a rich cultural heritage from the Himalayas and North India, Vikrant connects deeply with communities, sharing Christ’s love with passion and purpose.
Under his leadership, AGAPE runs two schools for over 1,300 underprivileged children, a Farmers Training Centre, and women’s empowerment programs—each transforming lives and planting new churches. Vikrant serves alongside his wife Ramini, principal of their Rishikesh school, and their daughters, Vartika and Vidita, who also love and serve the Lord.
Pastor Kema Dwarka
Born in Jamaica, 3rd of eight children, seven girls and one boy. Kema accepted the Lord as her personal Savior at age 12 and was baptized in the Elim Brethren Church where she taught Sunday School. Upon migrating to Canada she did a short Bible Study Course at Toronto Bible College. She met and married Pastor Marlon Dwarka and together they pastored for Fifty-two years. They have three children and six grandchildren. Their only son is a Pastor, Christian Psychotherapist and Chaplain. In the Secular world she worked for Imperial Oil (Exxon) for Twenty-five years. Presently, she serves on the Board of spiritrenewalministries.com and helps at Upper Room Christian Ministries Intl. Toronto.
From 2002 to 2024, Anthony Vidot served New York City with unwavering dedication, following a proud family legacy in law enforcement. Starting at the 75th Precinct, he survived a 2003 shootout and earned recognition for apprehending armed suspects and tackling major narcotics cases in Brooklyn. He later joined the Brooklyn Firearms Investigation Unit.
Anthony also served in the Department of Investigation, focusing on citywide corruption, and later assisted in managing migrant shelters through the Office of Emergency Management. His protection work extended internationally, guarding global leaders and U.S. presidents during UN summits.
Over his career, Anthony received numerous honors, including the Combat Cross and multiple service medals. As he retires, Anthony leaves behind a legacy of courage, commitment, and community service.
Anthony Vidot