Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
It's been said that "one good turn deserves another."
Tuesday night, the Kosciusko County Foundation provided that second turn for 47 county residents recognized for having "hearts of gold."
"The Heart Of Gold Award is a way to give those who do good things in our community a pat on the back," said Suzie Light, Foundation executive director.
Gus Sideris, a past Heart of Gold award winner, said Kosciusko County is filled with people having kind, warm hearts, and this year's 47 nominees and 13 special award winners signify the kind of community all county residents can brag about.
"I'm pleased and proud to be a part of a community that is as caring as Warsaw is," he said. "In a community where there are many needs, the thing to do is to be merciful."
Jo Ann Byers, who presented the Heart of Gold nominees and special award winners, said the opportunity to be a part of the awards ceremony was a highlight in her life as well as those being honored.
"When I was asked to present the nominees, I got excited, because this is like presenting the Oscars," she said. "Then I thought about it, and I got even more excited, because the Oscars are given to people for acting. These awards are given to people who are real."
This year's special award winners, with real hearts of gold, were:
• Becky Thomas, nominated by Karen Peterson for showing uncommon friendship to a newcomer to Kosciusko County. She received $250 to donate to the charitable organization of her choice.
• Jo Boring, nominated by Marie Holt for her volunteer work with Mason Health Care and her service as a foster parent. She received $250 to be used as a charitable donation.
• Dolores Gunn, nominated by Evelyn Mottweiler for her kindness and help as a 34-year county resident and former teacher. She received $250 for a charitable cause.
• Lana Wilson, nominated by Esther English for her work as a Girl Scout leader and former service as president of the Pierceton Lions Club. She received $250 for a charitable donation.
• Patrick Brown, nominated by Sheila Thompson for conducting a World Hunger Food Drive through Brown's radio show on WRSW radio. He received a $500 grant to be donated to the charity of his choice.
• Kathryn Masur, nominated by Dennis and Lori Masur for her community activities as a soup kitchen volunteer, a volunteer with the national Young Neighbor program and president of the Kosciusko Youth Leadership Academy. She received a $500 grant for charitable purposes.
• Cindi Knepper, nominated by Joseph Adams for her work with children through the Boys and Girls Club of Kosciusko County. She received a $500 grant for charitable purposes.
• Washington Elementary students Chayla Bassford, DeAndria Drudge, Ariel Howard, Allison Reichard and Kaci Smith were all nominated by Washington Elementary Principal Tom Eichenberg for good school citizenship. They each received a $500 grant for charitable donations.
• Harlan Steffen was nominated by a large contingent of his Syracuse neighbors for his work with Habitat For Humanity. He received a $1,000 charitable donation grant.
• Jean Kerlin was nominated by friends for her work as a hospice volunteer. She received a $1,000 grant for charitable a donation.
