The Howard Miller “Bless Your Heart” is in honor of long-serving SBMT member Howard L. Miller, who passed away on Christmas Eve, 2018. It recognizes the contributions of members who, like Howard himself, truly embody the soul and spirit of our community organization. Howard’s warmth and loving nature made him a pleasure to be around, and his dedication to SBMT inspired many talented people to join and become long-term members. Howard worked with SBMT for 20 years, beginning with his performance as Max/Gorilla in our 1998 Cabaret. He went on to perform in numerous other shows, but was just as active off-stage as a director, producer, board member, and the group’s treasurer. He was always ready to greet fellow members with a hug and a smile, and had a penchant for the sweet expression, “Bless your heart.” Howard’s devoted friends and family were heartbroken at his early passing at the age of just 46. Howard’s husband summed it up by saying, “Howard had three families: his biological family, his bear community family, and his SBMT family. And in many ways, his SBMT family was the most important to him.” The Howard Miller “Bless Your Heart” Award recognizes other SBMT members who foster that same sense of love and family in our organization. A memorial teddy bear, the “Howie” bear, is passed from recipient to recipient each year in memory of this very special individual. (More details)