Keynote speaker and Emmy Award winner, Jimmy Myers engages the crowd.

Ten local heroes — coaches, referees, mentors and other forms of supporters — were honored at the Titus Foundation’s inaugural luncheon to celebrate those who have made a lasting impact on youth across Boston.

The nonprofit, which was “established to aid young people and place-based initiatives in underserved communities,” primarily focuses on “scholarships, academic support, athletics, recreation, and employment and training, with a mission to nurture the youth of today, while lighting the pathways for the leaders of tomorrow,” according to the foundation’s website. The foundation is run by the Titus family, which includes Charlie Titus, his children Andre and Ciaren, his sister Gail, cousin Linda Weaver, and close family friend Keith McDermott.

Hosted by life coach and podcaster Lakisha “Coach La” Austin and broadcaster Courtney “Boston” Leonard, the May 30 luncheon was held at the Blackowned event venue, Sorrell & Lime in Dorchester.

“It is an event that we decided to do to try and honor some people from Boston who are doing impactful work with youth and don’t often get recognized for [their] work, said Titus, the foundation’s president. “[They] don’t look for recognition, but they’re just out there doing it,” said Titus, whose contributions include being part of the athletics boom of the University of Massachusetts Boston.

The luncheon, which was presented in partnership with the small business leader and entrepreneur Winslow Sargeant, is important for several reasons, Titus said, including modeling. “We want to let folk know that there are a number of people who are doing this kind of work, and… not only that, but others can do it, too,” he said.

Attendees enjoyed a formal meal, heard testimonials that highlighted individual impact and witnessed the honorees receiving accolades and presented with citations. Award-winning saxophonist Elan Troutman, a Berklee College of Music alumnus and professor, also performed.

The luncheon also featured a keynote speech by Olympic Gold Medalist Edwin Moses, whom the United States Olympic and Paralympic Museum website describes as “the most dominant athlete ever in the 400-meter hurdles, winning 122 consecutive races — including 107 consecutive finals — and two Olympic gold medals over a nearly 10-year span.”

This year’s awardees were selected from a list of 35 people who were nominated by community members. They were selected based on a range of criteria, including length of service or demonstrated sustained involvement in youth-focused activities, impact on youth and peer or community recognition.

The honorees include four individuals who were given the Coach Award, two who were given the Mentor Award and four others who were recognized for their refereeing and other contributions to youth.

One of the honorees, Saleena Rashed, was recognized with a Coach Award for her work as president and head coach of the Metro Cobras Youth Enrichment Program, which is primarily focused on track and field events.

“I am truly honored to be recognized by the Titus Foundation as an unsung hero,” said Rashed, who also serves as assistant facility manager at the Track at New Balance. “I believe every young person deserves someone who believes in them. My mission has always been to encourage, mentor and empower youth to reach their full potential, both on and off the track. This honor motivates me to continue that work.”

Another honoree was Steven Michael Wilson Jr, who received a Referee Award for his work providing referee and basketball training to community members.

“Huge thanks to Mr. Charlie Titus and his entire staff at the Titus Foundation,” he told the Banner, adding that his award really goes to the godfather of Boston basketball referees, Roscoe O. Baker, who died last month at the age of 88. “What Mr. Charlie Titus and the Titus Foundation is doing [is] what’s needed and long overdue. Black voices in Boston are silenced most of the time and the Titus Foundation is addressing that issue directly,” Wilson said.

Titus took a more holistic approach. “You know that old saying, ‘It takes a village.’ Well, the more people who participate in the development of our young people, the better off our community is going to be,” he said. “I hope it’s inspirational for our community, and it inspires some other people to engage in one way or another [in] community development, community support [and] community involvement.”