There were 69 Kosciusko County residents recognized Tuesday night for their acts of service and kindness to others.
The Kosciusko County Community Foundation held its annual Heart of Gold awards ceremony Tuesday at Center Lake Pavilion, Warsaw.
The foundation hosts the event annually to celebrate citizens who serve others in extraordinary ways.
Craig Tidball, foundation vice president, said the nominees come from all walks of life, but share a common commitment to serving others and by giving of their time and talents.
Suzie Light, foundation executive director, spoke about how the current economic downturn could either tear a community apart or cause people to come together.
Each nominee received a Heart of Gold certificate, pin and an envelope that they were instructed not to open until the end of the program.
When they opened the envelope, they found the grant amounts they were able to recommend to charities in their honor. More than $10,000 in grants will be awarded in honor of the 2009 Heart of Gold recipients.
Cherly Malmloff, Heart of Gold committee, highlighted 10 of the nominees who were nominated by people in the county.Larry Martindale, Syracuse, was recognized for his 24-year involvement with the Kiwanis Club and summer youth ball programs.
Mike Oberg, North Webster, was nominated for going above and beyond his call of duty in his role as a paramedic and emergency responder.
Becky Moreno, Winona Lake, was recognized for her advocacy of victims of violence. In 1996, Moreno became the victim assistance coordinator for Warsaw Police Department.
Nancy Haines, Syracuse, and Angela Hardy and Ann Schlabach, both of Milford, were recognized for their efforts to organize Harvest With A Heart, a community garden program in Milford.
Cindy Zehr, Silver Lake, was recognized for assisting a mother of triplets and serving as a hospice volunteer.
Katy Cobb, a 16-year-old from Warsaw, was recognized for her volunteer efforts with Combined Community Services, ULead, and for organizing the Glass Slipper Collection event.
Rebecca Doll, Milford, was recognized for volunteering through her church, assisting with funeral dinners, and raising money for the youth group.
Layne Warren, Claypool, was recognized for his efforts through his church and Lions Club.
Beth Duclos, Etna Green, was recognized for providing monetary and food supplies for struggling families.
John Jack Anglin, Warsaw, was recognized for his lifetime service beginning with his service in World War II where he was active at the Battle of the Bulge and the Remagen Bridge.
He is active in the Lions Club, Rotary, Masonic Lodge and Shriners and drives cancer patients to treatments.
He regularly transports blood donors from the Amish community to make their donations, and drives children to medical appointments at Shriners Hospital in Chicago.
