Every year the Las Cruces International Film Festival recognizes someone with ties to the Las Cruces area who has given back to the community. This year’s “Hometown Hero” award will be presented to Las Cruces entrepreneur and philanthropist Marci Dickerson. 

“Marci Dickerson is one of the kindest and most charitable people I know,” said Ross Marks, executive director of the festival and professor at NMSU's Creative Media Institute. “She gives selflessly of herself, her businesses, and resources. She is one of the pillars of the community. She makes Las Cruces a better city just by being herself.” 

Past recipients of the LCIFF “Hometown Hero” award include Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Russell Allen, Belia Alvarez & Curtis Rosemond, Irene Oliver Lewis and Greg Smith. 

The 8th annual film festival includes five days of feature-length films, short films and animation from filmmakers across the U.S. and around the world from April 12 to 16. Workshops, VIP parties along with a number of celebrity guests will be on hand throughout the festival. 

Dickerson and her company The Dickerson Group are well-known throughout the region through her businesses: Dickerson’s Catering, The Game, The Game Extra Innings, The Association LC, Dickerson Group Realty and Revolution 120, a non-profit organization. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dickerson and The Dickerson Group distributed more than 60,000 pounds of food to the Las Cruces community. Dickerson has served more than 6,000 weddings and major community events over the last 25 years. 

“Although I am incredibly proud of everything our hospitality businesses have achieved, I am most proud of our charity work and the lives we have helped,” said Dickerson. “As our community has always taken care of us and supported our businesses, it is my duty and privilege to take care of the people in Las Cruces.” 

In 2017 Dickerson founded Revolution 120, a non-profit helping those on the edge of crisis with goods and services. Dickerson also created the Warrior League baseball group which made space for children with all abilities to play baseball. 

"Our goal is to change the way Las Cruces gives,” Dickerson said. “To utilize 100 percent of those gifts to make a profound impact in the lives of the people we give to." 

Dickerson will accept the “Hometown Hero” award at the during the film festival award ceremony at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 15 at the Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N Main Street. 

Tickets for the festival are on sale now and can be purchased at lascrucesfilmfest.com.