Community Foundation Lauds Heart Of Gold Recipients
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Jennifer Peryam-jperyam@timesuniononline.com
Kosciusko County Community Foundation recognized 36 individuals for service to others at its Heart of Gold program Thursday night. Each person nominated for a Heart of Gold award received a pin, a certificate and a Community Foundation grant to award to the charity of their choice, in their name and honor. The ceremony was at Center Lake Pavilion. Suzie Light, KCCF executive director, welcomed attendees, and Dr. Bill Katip, KCCF board member and Grace College president, provided the invocation. A nonprofit award was presented to Eric Lane, Fellowship Missions executive director, and a Service Club Award was presented to Shari Skaggs, Tri Kappa president. There were 10 nominations highlighted during the event. They included: • Jackie Brown, Cromwell, for her volunteer work for the North Webster community including Habitat for Humanity, North Webster Church of God and Lifecare House where needy families can obtain hygiene products and other non-food items. • Sue Creighton, Warsaw, for her work helping victims of domestic violence through her service on the Beaman Home Board of Directors and with Altrusa. • Scott Fox, Warsaw, for his volunteer work with Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Warsaw Kiwanis, North Webster Lions Club, the Wawasee Super Mileage Team and KCCF. • Polly Gabbett, Warsaw, who was nominated for her volunteer work with hospice patients. She loves to help people live their remaining days to the fullest. • Pat Heiden, Syracuse, who was nominated for her volunteer work with Syracuse Elementary students for the past six years. Heiden works with children in small groups who need extra help or attention. She organizes and hosts birthday parties for students and loves each one unconditionally. • Mike Kissinger, North Webster, who was nominated for his many volunteer efforts with North Webster Community Center including operating their sound system for events, running basketball and volleyball leagues, creating the Kids Business Fair and helping maintain the building and equipment. • Courtney Linnemeier, a student at Wawasee High School, for her volunteerism and leadership on the Wawasee High School Warrior Leadership Committee and in raising funds for Special Olympics. • Peggy Michel, Claypool, who was nominated for her volunteer work with Cardinal Services, Oak Grove Community Church, Tippecanoe Watershed and Big Brothers Big Sisters. • Cathy Miller, Warsaw, for her advocacy work through Court Appointed Special Advocates for children who have suffered abuse or neglect. • Rosemary Parsons, Warsaw, for a lifetime of service to organizations such as the Senior Activity Center, March of Dimes and Celebration Church and her current work with Big Brothers Big Sisters. KCCF hosts the Heart of Gold awards annually as a way to recognize everyday people who serve others in extraordinary ways. The event is a way for KCCF to demonstrate its belief that anyone can be a philanthropist through gifts of time, talent or treasure. Since 1968, Kosciusko County Community Foundation Inc. has brought caring people and charitable endeavors together for the good of the community. The Community Foundation is a public charity, and gifts made to the Foundation are tax-deductible. For more information about the Community Foundation, visit www.KCFoundation.org, call 574-267-1901, or visit the office at 102 E. Market St., Warsaw.
