The 2005 Heart of Gold Awards reception, presented by Kosciusko County Community Foundation Inc., was held Wednesday at Center Lake Pavilion.
Forty-two individuals were recognized for having hearts of gold. The welcome was given by Craig Tidball, KCCF board vice president. He said, "The Heart of Gold program is especially important to the Community Foundation, because the people who are recognized demonstrate a spirit of giving."Ken Locke gave the invocation by reciting the "Peace Prayer," also known as the prayer of St. Francis of Assissi. Suzie Light, executive director of KCCF, spoke about how the annual Heart of Gold awards help the Foundation fulfill its mission.
The keynote address by Tom Roy focused on "Why Should People Do Good Things." The address cited three things to consider: Who is the authority that guides you?; the legacy you want to pass on to others is who you are; and everyone at one time or another has been in need. Roy said, "Spend your life anywhere. The question is 'Where will you invest it?'"
Roy is executive director with Unlimited Potential Inc., Winona Lake. After a successful high school athletic career, Roy signed a contract with the San Francisco Giants. After a short time with the Giants, he received his degree from the Career Academy of Broadcasting then attended Grace College, Winona Lake. After graduating from Grace College, he accepted the position of head baseball coach at Tippecanoe Valley High School, where he coached until he was called to start the ministry of UPI in 1980. UPI today conducts baseball clinics with evangelistic messages in more than 30 countries. He and his wife, Carin, live in Winona Lake and have two daughters and five grandchildren.
At the reception, the nominees and nominators were presented by Chris Kidd and Jerry Yeager. Each person nominated for a Heart of Gold award received a Heart of Gold pin, a certificate and the opportunity to recommend a Community Foundation grant to the area charity of their choice. Last year's recipients recommended $8,300 in grants to the charitable organization of their choice.
Pam Messmore highlighted the stories of 10 nominees, including:
Bill and Carol Trump, who were nominated for their volunteer efforts spanning more than 18 years to benefit the Leesburg Recreational League.
Rhonda Raber, for the many volunteer services she provides including sewing, alterations and wedding planning for young people associated with Grace College and Seminary where she works, and for her many volunteer activities involving her church.
Dana Leon Huffer, for using her legal expertise to serve the community by organizing a pro-bono legal consultation program at Combined Community Services, and for using her leadership gifts to organize CCS's largest fundraiser. In addition, Huffer chaired the Heart Truth for Women program for the past two years.
Tracy Furnivall, who was nominated for his many services aimed at youth, including coaching, fundraising and serving as director of the Baker Youth Club.
Suzi Caudill, who was nominated by one of her Tae Kwon Do students for the way she makes her students feel important and the way she demonstrates volunteerism, respect and integrity.
Bill Winn, who was nominated for the impact he made in particular on an adult who needed help retaining employment and transportation, as well as for his volunteer activities involving Cardinal Center, Medicaid clients and those he serves on mission trips to Guatemala.
Phyllis Matz, who went above and beyond the call of duty in her 28-year teaching career by visiting the homes of each of her students to demonstrate her commitment to their success, and for her acceptance of 12 foster children. After retiring, Matz continues her volunteer activities as an advocate for abused and neglected children through CASA. She also serves as a driver for two women who cannot drive themselves.
Tim Hunt, a Cardinal Center client, uses his employment earnings for a new organization or family in need each month. When asked why he does this, Hunt said, "Because it makes God happy."
Elizabeth Hickman was called "the most compassionate person I have ever met" by her nominator. Hickman regularly takes people who are in need shopping, helps them run errands and has them over for dinner. Even when she has been in need herself, she has shared what she has with others.
Logan Veator is a 10-year-old boy who has volunteered at Combined Community Services for more than two years. He stocks the food pantry, sorts donated items and even mows the lawn and does landscaping. On his 10th birthday, he asked that instead of birthday gifts, his family and friends donate to a back-to-school drive for needy children.
Other nominees recognized were: George Beecher, LuAnn Deafenbaugh, Pastor Myron and Krista Drent, Tom Ducteteau, Audrey Fancil, Lynne Fellows, Tom Groninger, Jeffrey Hamman, Jeff Hankins, Harold Jones, Beverly Jordan, Jerry Kammerer, Candi Kintzel, Jessica Kintzel, Mike Knepper, Jo Lemon, Peggi Lisenbee-Wright, Mary Ellen Long, John Lowe II, Jon Mark, Barb Martz, Pamela Reed, Leanne Reigner, Esther Ruppel, Marsha Scott, Stacey Staley, Shirley Strock, Betty Trump, Becky Walls, Judy Weidner and Chad Whitehead.
The Heart of Gold committee included Marsha Cook, Jeff Hankins, Chris Kidd, Pam Messmore, Sharon Sommers and Libbie Tom. Special thanks were given to Al Disbro, photographer, and to National City Bank for their support of the Heart of Gold awards.
Since 1968, the Kosciusko County Community Foundation, a public charity, has brought caring people and charitable endeavors together. All gifts made to the Foundation are tax-deductible. For more information, visit www.kcfoundation.org or call 574-267-1901.
