The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) International’s Web site is an honoree of the Webby Awards, awarded for its excellence in Web design, creativity, usability, and functionality.

The Webbys are presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, an organization consisting of leading Web experts, business executives, celebrities, and visionaries and creative personalities, numbering 500 in total. The Webby Awards were first established in 1996, when the World Wide Web was just beginning.

Members of the Academy include musicians Beck and David Bowie, Internet founding father Vint Cerf, political columnist Arianna Huffington, The Simpsons creator Matt Groening, author Howard Rheingold, The Body Shop founder and president Anita Roddick, as well as several writers and editors from well-known publications such as the New York Times, Wired, Details, Fast Company, Elle, Los Angeles Times, Vibe, and WallPaper.

ADRA’s Web site was selected because of its high dedication to excellence. More than 5,500 entries were submitted to the 10th Annual Webby Awards, and less than 20% of those entered were selected as Official Honorees.

”ADRA International’s Web site, launched last year, is now a foundational and strategic element in our overall marketing and fundraising program,” said Tereza Byrne, bureau chief for marketing and development, ADRA International. “The design of the site enables visitors to better identify and navigate what’s most important to them. Online income has increased dramatically, visitors are engaged, interactively, and the site has tremendous growth potential.”

Silas Partners, a Web site construction and online strategy firm based out of Virginia, developed and hosts the ADRA Web site.

“Silas Partners is thrilled to see our work on ADRA’s Web site recognized for its excellence,” commented Katharine Kraft, director of Client Service for Silas Partners. “The Webby Award is one of the more prestigious Web awards, and it is an honor to have the ADRA site among the elite list of nominees. Silas Partners firmly believes the Web is an important part of any organization’s communication strategy; we are pleased to be a part of ADRA’s investment in online communication.”

ADRA’s award winning Web site can be found at www.adra.org

ADRA is present in 125 countries, providing community development and emergency management without regard to political or religious association, age, or ethnicity.