The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been given the Public Relations Society of America's top award for efforts during the San Diego Temple open house to increase public awareness of the temple and the church.
A six-week open house in early 1993 netted the prestigious Silver Anvil Award in the category of special events and observances by nonprofit organizations."Winners of this year's awards are striking evidence of the power and versatility of public relations displays in dealing with the spectrum of challenges that confront business and society," society officials said.
An open house at the temple was planned as a prototype event to raise favorable impressions of the temple and the church, according to Bruce L. Olsen, managing director of the church's public affairs department.
The original attendance goal of 650,000 guests was exceeded by nearly 11 percent, Olsen said.