How do I get tickets?

All honorees who have provided us with a valid email address have been issued an invitation, which includes a plus-one guest. The Hillcrest Honors VIP Ceremony at Uptown Tavern is open to those with an invitation-only, due to capacity limitations. Doors open at 5 p.m. with the program beginning around 6:15 p.m.

Everyone else (21+) is welcome to the Hillcrest Honors Community Celebration, starting at 7:30 p.m. No tickets are required and we encourage honorees to invite all their friends and loved ones to attend the celebration at Flicks.

*If you are an honoree and have yet to receive your invitation, please e-mail benny.bc.cartwright@gmail.com ASAP. Thank you!

Do I need to print out my tickets?

No. Those who RSVP will be issued a QR code for quick check-in at Uptown Tavern, which you can show to our volunteer team from your mobile device. We can also look you up by name.

What should I wear?

The evening is a celebration! We want you to sparkle! However, this is also Hillcrest, and we believe in comfort and allowing everyone to come as they are and express themselves as they feel fit. We are suggesting an “elevated cocktail” attire - but please be comfortable and keep in mind that both venues will be crowded.

Where can I park?

Uptown Tavern and Flicks do not have parking available. Those driving to the event will need to consider extra time to find street parking, a paid lot, or park for free at the DMV - just 2 blocks away. Please note: The block in front of Uptown Tavern is currently marked with temporary “No Parking” signs for the night of the event starting at 9 p.m., for construction work. Please pay close attention to signage as there are a lot of construction and road work projects going on in the neighborhood. In general, Monday nights are easy to find parking in the neighborhood.

And it shouldn’t need to be said: Please don’t drink and drive, and take advantage of rideshare, or ask one of our volunteers to assist you if you’re having difficulty.

What will happen at Uptown Tavern?

Upon arriving (doors open at 5 p.m.), invited guests will come to the main entrance of Uptown Tavern to check in with our volunteer team. Once entering, each guest will be greeted with a complimentary glass of champagne (or cider) and then have the opportunity to say hello to founders Rick Cervantes and Benny Cartwright. Guests will pass by a step-n-repeat and will be able to take photos. Then, they can go into the venue and enjoy drink specials and hosted light bites. DJ Mike Orion will provide the music, and Kickxy Vixen-Styles will be on stage making sure the crowd is having a great time.

Around 6:15 p.m., a formal program will begin, with remarks by elected officials, and community leaders, and the presentation of our Lifetime Achievement Award to Toni G. Atkins. The first 12 of the awards will also be presented before the crowd is invited to continue the night at Flicks.

Honorees are welcome to come on stage when their name is called and get a group photo with other honorees in their category. There will be no remarks by honorees as we want you to only think about celebrating on this night!

Where do I get my certificates?

Because of the large number of honorees - and each honoree will be receiving EIGHT certificates including their official award along with commendations from several local elected officials - certificates will not be presented on stage. Honorees are invited to pick up their certificates from our special Awards Lounge at Flicks, starting at 4 p.m. 

If you’d like to have your certificates while at Uptown Tavern, you are welcome to stop by Flicks first to grab them. Otherwise, the Awards Lounge will be open until 10 p.m. for pickup.

When will guests at Uptown Tavern head over to Flicks?

The program at Uptown will wrap around 7:30 p.m. and guests will be invited to head across the street to Flicks, for the rest of the celebration. All you have to do is follow the Illuminated Hillcrest Hero Highway, comprised of volunteers and lots of lights guiding the way! Honorees and their guests will have wristbands granting special access into the VIP entrance at Flicks

I’m not attending the Uptown Tavern celebration, when can I go to Flicks?

Flicks opens for the day at 4 p.m. however the Hillcrest Honors portion of the night will begin at 7:30 p.m. Everyone (21+) is welcome to Flicks and can enter through the general admission line adjacent to Ace Hardware. 

What will happen at Flicks?

Upon entry, all guests will be greeted with a shot from the Flicks go-go team, and be welcomed into the space. The bar will have drinks available for purchase, music by DJ Autumn Leilani, and the second half of the Hillcrest Honors awards presentation - including the now famous Kickxy Awards! The program will resume at 8:15 p.m. and should wrap up by 9:15 p.m.

How late can I stay?

We want this to be a night of celebration! While the Hillcrest Honors portion of the night will end by 11 p.m., Flicks remains open to 2 a.m. and you’re welcome to stay as long as the bar will have you!

I want to keep the party going the next day!

You’re in luck! We’ve partnered with our friends at The Loft, who will host our “Recovery Kiki,” on Tuesday, Feb. 25, starting at 11 a.m. All customers will be able to enjoy $5 mimosas, $10 Bloody Marys, and anything else from the bar all day long. 

I’m an honoree and can’t make it - how can I get my certificates?

Please email benny.bc.cartwright@gmail.com by Friday, Feb. 28, with your mailing address and we will mail them to you.

You will also have the opportunity to pick them up from Uptown Tavern on Thursday, Feb. 27 from 5-8:30 p.m.

I’d like to make a donation or sponsor the event!

Contact Rick Cervantes at ricky.rc.cervantes@gmail.com

Check your ego.

This event is all about fun and uplifting people who make Hillcrest great. The founders take no personal or financial gain from this event, and it is completely volunteer-run and organized. Please be kind, and humble, and treat everyone with respect, especially the staff and volunteers. If you for some reason you are planning to attend to hate on honorees or the event, rip up your certificate, or some other petty behavior, please see one of our volunteers who will happily walk you out to another neighborhood venue - and you won’t be welcome back. There is one goal at Hillcrest Honors: celebrating each other!

How are nominees selected?

Nominations are open to the public and can be submitted online. A selection committee reviews the nominations and selects the honorees based on their impact on the community.

Who are you to hand out awards?

We're Rick and Benny, long-time Hillcrest residents with a deep love for our community. We've been actively involved, supporting local businesses, attending events, and giving back whenever possible. The Hillcrest Honors is our way of recognizing and celebrating the amazing people who make our neighborhood so special.

Why weren't certain people or businesses recognized?

While we strive to recognize as many deserving individuals and organizations as possible, it's important to note that nominations are a key part of the process. If someone wasn't nominated, it may be because they weren't suggested by the community. We encourage everyone to get involved and nominate individuals who are making a difference.

Is this a serious awards program?

Absolutely! We take the Hillcrest Honors very seriously. While we aim to keep things fun and celebratory, we believe it's important to recognize and honor those who contribute to our community's vibrancy.

Why should I care about the Hillcrest Honors?

The Hillcrest Honors is about celebrating our community, recognizing excellence, and inspiring others to make a difference. By honoring those who have made significant contributions, we hope to foster a sense of pride and community spirit.

We invite you to get involved, nominate deserving individuals, and join us in celebrating the best of Hillcrest.