Forty-three people were recognized Wednesday at the Heart of Gold Awards reception for giving of themselves unselfishly to serve others beyond the call of duty.

Each Heart of Gold nominee received a heart-shaped pin acknowledging their achievement. Monetary gifts will be awarded to charitable organizations in the names of those who receive Heart of Gold awards. Each recipient has the opportunity to direct a grant to the qualified charitable organization of his or her choice. Grants ranged from $60 to $1,000. A total of $7,000 was awarded.

The awards are presented by the Kosciusko County Community Foundation in conjunction with the Kosciusko Leadership Academy.

In addition, 11 of the nominees were presented with special awards. Those winners and a brief synopsis of their nominations include:

Darlene Drudge was recognized for being a role model for many at her church, by her witness to her faith, her involvement in mission trips, her initiation of a Bible study program for youth facing challenging times, her membership in the "Moms in Touch" prayer group and her simple but constant encouragement to others in need.

Several years ago, she experienced a deep loss with the tragic death of her daughter. She coped with the loss by coming to possess a true and passionate desire to serve others. By the scholarship fund she created in her daughter's name, she has been able to assist students with college expenses and pay for expenses that help youth draw closer to Jesus Christ.

Terrie Landrum was described by nominators as a "silent hero" who quietly, faithfully and humbly serves others. Her volunteer activities include the Boys and Girls Club. In the radiology department at KCH where she works, she often is an encourager to her patients. She shares people's emotional, financial and physical burdens, going out of her way to help and encourage others.

The volunteer efforts of Carl Love could impact every person in the county according to his nomination. Because of his determined actions, automated external defibrillators are in every city police, county sheriff and firefighters' vehicle.

Cindy Lantz was nominated by her son Kyle Lantz, who said Cindy recently gave of her time to an elderly neighbor lady struggling with multiple sclerosis. Whether it is helping this neighbor with meals, assisting with household chores, providing transportation or simply being there for her in times of emotional need, this recipient shines with her giving spirit. Her son, in the nomination, said, "I respect her so much for all that she does and I would love to see her rewarded for her servanthood."

Associated with many organizations in the county, the Rev. Joseph E. Banks' involvements include the Committee to Commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Warsaw Community Schools Diversity Committee, the Countywide Middle School Career Fair, the Visitor's Bureau, the election board and more.

The youngest award recipient, Cody Ong, 13, became involved with the Special Olympics program when his brother started to participate as an athlete. Weekly, Ong works with the athletes, helping them with their sport so they can better their skills.

In nominating him for this award, his mother Lisa Scott wrote, "It makes me proud as a mother to know that he has a 'Heart of Gold' for less fortunate people. He loves them unconditionally and celebrates every little goal they reach or achieve."

A retired contractor, Robert Kline was nominated for volunteering with Housing Opportunities of Warsaw. By providing many work cost analyses for renovations and work specifications, Kline provides invaluable information for homeowners to receive the best value for their money. And it's not beyond Kline to dig in and help with needed projects like leaky roofs or rocky flowerbeds.

Dalene Goshert was nominated for being very active in her church and for providing meals for the sick, new mothers or servicemen and -women. She participates in mission trips and gives teddy bears to area children suffering from cancer. A blood donor, she helps raise money for the American Cancer Society and visits the elderly in nursing homes.

Yolanda Garza helps Hispanic families who move to the area make Kosciusko County their home. She has educated local groups and churches on Hispanic needs and their cultural gifts. She helped create and securing the funding for a video that assists Spanish-speaking people in knowing local services available to them and understanding local law. She was instrumental in establishing a Spanish mentoring program at Warsaw Community Schools and helped form the Sus Amigos group.

Ken Locke is the program chairman for the local Boy Scouts, serves as the secretary/treasurer of the Warsaw Rotary Club, volunteers at the Billy Sunday Home and Welcome Center and ministers to Vietnam veterans and Kosciusko County Jail inmates. He ministers to many families in need and shows a commitment to the service of others.

Finally, Henrietta Bumgardner received one of the 11 special awards for being a person whose "outstanding qualities are integrity, tenacity and devotion." She advocates for the abused and neglected children of Kosciusko County. She is an inspiration to other volunteers in the Court Appointed Special Advocate program and guides new volunteers to better understand their role.

The other Heart of Gold nominees include: Jackalyn Barrett, John Boren, Monica Braman, James Breading, Barbara Carwile, Suzanne Caudill, Jane Chinworth, Marcie Disher, Carl Ellis, Dr. Talitha Fair, Paula Gall, Norm Gunsolley, Fred and Lois Holst, Pam Kennedy, Thomas Kinch, Brad and Diana Lankford, Charlotte McCleary, Amy Miller, Cathy Murphy, Ami Pitt, Benjamin Schmitz, Lisa Scott, Maryln Sells, Jeff Shelhart, Sue Sherman, Rita Simpson, Julie Steele, Harlan Steffan, Ann Sweet, Janice Thomas, Becky Walls and Valerie Werner. [[In-content Ad]]