White Castle System Inc. announced the creation of the White Castle “Lighting the Way” award. The award will be given annually to a local citizen who exemplifies the virtues of giving the best of themselves to make a difference in the lives of others.

Harry Slatkin, founder and president of Slatkin & Co. and president of home design at Limited Brands, has been named as the first recipient of the “Lighting the Way” Award. Slatkin and his wife Laura established a not-for-profit organization dedicated to increasing availability and quality of intensive, science-based educational programs for children with autism. The Slatkins also founded the first charter school for mental health in the state of New York, and serve on the boards of various non-profit organizations including Autism Speaks, Henry Street Settlement House, the New England Center for Children, and the New York Center for Autism. In addition, Harry serves as the 2009 honorary chairperson for the Columbus Walk Now for Autism event slated for October 11 at the Jerome Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio.

“Harry embodies the spirit of giving the award intends to celebrate,” says Jamie Richardson, White Castle vice president of corporate relations. “His advocacy for autism is a vivid demonstration of his willingness to risk the vulnerability of getting involved first-hand in a real world way.”

In recognition of his community efforts, White Castle will make a contribution of $5,000 in Slatkin’s name to support autism research efforts in Central Ohio. In addition, he will receive a White Castle scented candle to celebrate his efforts that serve as an example of “Lighting the Way” for others throughout Central Ohio. The award will be presented as part of the Columbus Walk Now for Autism kick-off event that will be hosted by Limited Brands on August 6 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.