Foundation Honors Hearts Of GoldKosciusko County Community Foundation recognized 38 local individuals for their contributions to the community during its annual Heart Of Gold ceremony Tuesday night. The ceremony was at Center Lake Pavilion and the goal of the ceremony was to honor area citizens who serve others. The Foundation accepts nominations for Heart Of Gold recipients. A committee reviews the nominations and chooses 10 of the nominees’ stories to highlight at the reception. All eligible nominees are given the opportunity to award a Community Foundation grant in their name and honor to the charity of their choice. There were 11 people whose stories were highlighted at the reception. Brian McClelland is the owner of BMac’s on Buffalo. He goes the extra mile to serve those who are disadvantaged. One of those people is John, a resident of Retired Tigers and a frequent customer of his business. McClelland helped John find a piece of furniture he needed, and gives John a ride home when the weather is bad. Sherri Milton was nominated by Big Brothers Big Sisters for her volunteer leadership in serving the organization through fundraising, mentor recruiting, and public relations. She serves as a big to two girls in Kosciusko County. Deb Bishop has played piano for high school choirs and her church for more than 10 years. She is the president of Symphony of the Lakes, and in Warsaw, she and her Bible study group started a community outreach program called Community Closet in which household and hygiene items are donated to the needy. She also has served as an advocate for abused and neglected children. Kevin Deardorff was nominated by Cardinal Services for his leadership on their board of directors during a challenging time of change and growth for the organization including the construction of a new group home. Carolyn Barrett was nominated by Senior Primelife Enrichment Center for her service to their board of directors. At 75 years old, she serves as the organization’s board secretary, helps organize senior trips, bakes cakes, and heads committees for the organization. Bonnie Kramer was nominated by a fellow teacher friend for her support during her friend’s serious illness and her kindness to children. She came out of retirement for six weeks in order to teach in her friend’s classroom during her friend’s medical leave. Robert Tenney serves his community of Pierceton by putting up flags for the town in Brower Park. He heads up the Christmas facilities program for the Pierceton Lions Club giving each family clothing, toys and food. Estalene Hamilton established “The Make A Difference Trust” in memory of her 15-year-old son who died in 1980. The trust has been helping other teens and their families for more than 20 years. Luann Deafenbaugh, in her position as a nurse practicioner and patient advocate for the Cancer Care Center helps meet the needs of cancer patients. She guides them through the health care system identifying barriers to care and help them get the services they need. Larry and Tammy Stackhouse created The Magical Meadows Therapeutic Horseback Riding Center for children and adults with special needs with one horse and one rider in 2007. Today the center serves 61 volunteers with the help of 10 horses and 83 volunteers. Other Heart Of Gold recipients who were recognized included: Amy Rice, Angel “Eddy” Reyes, Alan and Kristine Alderfer, Lynne Fellows, Connie Greer, Jean Drummond, Donna Sorenson, Angie Wood, Janet Price, Jim Tinkey, Sue Morris, Reverend Fannie Hale, Jan Hammaker, Ed and Karolyn Barns, Penny Miller, Lee and Mary Hartle, Nancy Melton, Dannielle Robertson, Rickey and Lori Svinarich, Julia Fugate, Cheryl Der, Kyle Dukes, and Scott Turskey.
