Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Know somebody with a heart of gold? Somebody who's gone the extra mile to help people and never expected anything in return?
Kosciusko County Foundation has a program for you.
Representatives of the foundation unveiled a new program Tuesday that aims to honor people whose spirit of volunteerism surpasses the average thank-you and deserves public commendation.
The newly organized annual Heart of Gold Awards will be presented to recipients April 24 at a reception at Center Lake Pavilion.
Applications will be distributed throughout the county; deadline for submission is March 1.
Kosciusko Foundation officials believe the number of nominees could be several hundred.
"There's so many good people in the community, we expect a lot of nominations," said Suzie Light, director of the foundation, during a press conference.
Nominees could vary greatly. Their actions could have been limited to a specific incident or a regular practice spanning 10 years.
Recipients could range from a boy that shovels snow from the sidewalk of an elderly neighbor to a volunteer who regularly helps a local social service agency.
Officials hope to see countywide participation.
All nominees and the applicants will be honored, and the top eight nominees will be given grants to direct to their choice of local charity.
The two top nominees will direct $1,000 grants, two others will direct $500 grants, and the other four will direct $250 grants.
Heart-shaped pins acknowledging their efforts will be presented to all nominees.
The foundation has identified a set of criteria Heart of Gold recipients exemplify. These include people who:
4 Identify a need and fill it.
4 Share time and energy for the sake of others.
4 Ovecome unusual challenges to serve others.
4 Render a service that changes a life.
While the program is open to anyone, regardless of age, Light said she hopes it casts light on ordinary people and not necessarily those often considered community leaders.
The foundation got the idea from a group in Whitley County that began a similar project last year and honored 80 people. This year, they hope to generate 300 nominees.
Upon learning of the program, the foundation then turned to Kosciusko Leadership Academy and found four members willing to make a project out of the program. Those KLA members were Becky Notestine, Richard Reneker, Beth Czuba and Anne Bailey. They join other foundation officials in serving as judges.
Light said judges will review applications without seeing the nominees' names in an effort to prevent a popularity contest.
"We're trying hard to be very equitable and fair," she said.
Funds for the grants come from donors of the foundation who do not designate a specific use for the money.
Aside from encouraging people to recognize others for their special deeds, Light said she hopes the awards program will encourage more people to support the foundation with private gifts.
The application process is simple, and if needed, can be done over the phone, Light said.
For more informaion, contact the foundation at 267-1901.
