Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
A search has begun for Kosciusko County residents who have Hearts of Gold.
A person with a Heart of Gold is a person who believes they live an ordinary life, though they make Kosciusko County a neighborly place to live by touching others in special ways on a regular basis.
"It could be the person who on their own initiated shoveling a person's driveway, or a person who saw a need for a program in the community," said Suzie Light, Kosciusko County Foundation director.
"The important thing is that everyone who gets nominated is a winner," she said.
Three years ago, the KCF began the annual search for residents with a heart of gold by initiating the Kosciusko County Heart of Gold Awards. The program acknowledges people who give themselves unselfishly to serve others.
Anyone may nominate a Kosciusko County citizen for a Heart of Gold Award. Nomination forms are available at county banks, grocery stores and libraries. The form also will be printed in upcoming editions of the Times-Union. Nomination forms or assistance may be obtained by contacting KCF at 267-1901.
Completed forms can be mailed to the Foundation office at 117 W. Center St., Suite B, Warsaw. Anyone with questions or needing help filling out the forms may call the office for assistance.
Any person who enhances another person's life is eligible to be nominated. Nominations must be received by the Kosciusko County Foundation by March 5.
The selection committee will choose the finalists based on eight qualifications. A finalist will be an "ordinary" person who identifies a need and fills it; recognizes opportunities and acts upon them; shares time and energy for others; overcomes unusual challenges to serve others; renders a service that changes a life; works to create positive change; inspires others to volunteer; or performs an exceptional act of kindness.
"It's a blind selection process. The committee doesn't know the names of the people being chosen," Light said.
Eight finalists will be chosen from among the nominees. Two recipients will have the opportunity to direct a $1,000 grant from the Foundation to the qualified charity of their choice. Another two awardees will direct grants of $500 each and four will direct grants of $250.
Three of last year's winners included Dennis Hively, Dan Arthur and Steve Dobbs.
"They helped a child of a friend of theirs who became quadriplegic. They helped him establish a home of his own that was accessible," Light said.
Other winners from last year included Roslynn Morgan, Vivian Eidemiller, Mary Titus, Mazie Alexander, Pam Kolter, Karen Lowry, John Teevan, Gus Sideris and Todd Davis.
"Todd Davis was nominated (last year) because of his help with other cancer victims and making people aware of (cancer)," Light said.
All nominees and those who nominated them will be honored at an evening reception April 20. The eight awardees will be announced during the reception.
The organizing team for the Heart of Gold consists of Jo Ann Byers, Warsaw Community Public Library; Jake Murray, Combined Community Services; and Brent Sweet, Paragon Medical.
