Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, February 14, 1995 TAG: 9502140090
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: LESLIE TAYLOR AND DAN CASEY STAFF WRITERS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Instead, council did the giving. It named him Roanoke's 1994 Citizen of the Year for the countless hours of volunteer work he has performed on behalf of cultural and civic organizations.
With Davidson's family gathered around, Mayor David Bowers presented the retired clothier a key to the city and a plaque engraved with his name and picture.
Then, one by one, council members took turns lauding him.
Davidson retired in 1985 as chief executive of the upscale men's clothing chain that bears his name. He is the 14th person to win the annual recognition from council, which began bestowing the award in 1981.
``Sig, I did not realize your value to the community until you retired and went to work,'' cracked Councilman Jack Parrott.
``A city is judged ... by its people. With people like you, no wonder there's a star on Mill Mountain,'' Councilwoman Linda Wyatt said.
``You've been a real inspiration to many, many of us, with all of your volunteer activities,'' Councilwoman Elizabeth Bowles said.
It was the second honor in a week for Davidson. Earlier, he was informed that he had been named this year's outstanding volunteer fund-raiser by the National Society of Fund Raising Executives.
For the national honor, Davidson was selected from among 10 semifinalists, said Kelly Coleman, a spokeswoman for the organization. The award will be presented at the society's annual meeting in Chicago next month.
Davidson has been an active fund-raiser for organizations such as the American Red Cross and the United Jewish Appeal. He helped conceive the idea for Center in the Square, heading its capital fund campaign seven years ago.
Davidson has been recognized before for his support of culture and civic organizations. He has received the Governor's Award for Volunteering Excellence, the Roanoke Valley United Way's Community Service Award and the Perry Kendig Award, named for the late president emeritus of Roanoke College and longtime arts supporter.
The family's clothing store chain has been the sole sponsor of Affair in the Square, an annual fund-raising event for Center in the Square.
Davidson and his wife, Harriet, support several arts groups, including Showtimers, Mill Mountain Theatre, the Acting Company and the Roanoke Valley Chamber Music Society. He is associated with the Literacy Foundation and the Julian Stanley Wise Rescue Squad exhibit at the Roanoke Valley History Museum.
``I'm very flattered, very much surprised,'' Davidson said. Asked what inspires his efforts, he said, ``This community has been very good to me. My back's been scratched. It's time for me to scratch somebody else's back.''
by CNB