Kosciusko Community Foundation Recognizes Heart of Gold Recipients
Posted
Jennifer Peryam-jperyam@timesuniononline.com
Kosciusko County Community Foundation held its annual Heart of Gold Awards ceremony Wednesday night to honor those who have served Kosciusko County.
The ceremony was at Center Lake Pavilion and attended by 120 people.
Suzie Light, Kosciusko County Community Foundation executive director, provided opening remarks.
She said Heart of Gold recipients are philanthropists who come from all walks of life.
“They give of their time, their talent or their treasures to enhance the lives of others,” Light said.
Marsha Cook, Community Foundation board member, and John Warren, Community Foundation volunteer, presented the nominees and nominators.
Angie Robbins, Heart of Gold committee member, read brief stories on each of the top 10 Heart of Gold nominees who were selected to have their stories highlighted.
There were 54 Heart of Gold recipients recognized, and the top 10 received plaques. The Heart of Gold program recognizes ordinary people who perform extraordinary acts of kindness to others.
Each recipient received a recognition certificate and pin along with the opportunity to recommend a Community Foundation grant, in their name and honor, to the area charity of their choice.
The total amount that will be granted to area charities in honor of Heart of Gold recipients is $9,200.
Recipients are recommended by community members who nominate them.
Recipients were selected based on their services to others, identifying a need and fulfilling it, working to create positive change and inspiring others to volunteer.
Susan Manns was nominated by Pam Cook for her efforts through the non-profit she started, Treasures for Troops, which sends cards and supplies to service men and women.
Hal Harting was nominated by John Hall for his efforts helping people through Habitat for Humanity and the Beaman Home.
Doug Aden was nominated by Evon Foyle for his efforts to help the needy through his volunteer work with the Syracuse Food Pantry.
Maureen Hall was nominated by Mark Terrell for her dedication to the children served by Lifeline Youth and Family Services.
Tracey Akers was nominated by Alek Jansen for her contributions to the Boomerang Backpack program, a program that ensures that needy children have weekend meals.
Dick Pelletier was nominated by many Syracuse residents for his many volunteer efforts in the Syracuse community.
Gladys Culver, 101, was nominated by Barb Hetrick for her efforts to serve others through the Senior Primelife Enrichment Center.
Phil Harden was nominated by Barbara Stenacker for his ministry to deaf children.
Penny Shapiro was nominated by Dannielle Robertson for her volunteer efforts with the Leesburg Elementary Parent Teacher Organization.
Donna Morris, whose nominator wanted to remain anonymous, was selected for her many contributions to the Claypool community and to cancer patients.
Also during the ceremony, Alan Alderfer and Mike Bergen, business partners for Alderfer Bergen & Company, spoke about the community’s support for the Kosciusko County Riley Kids Fund.
The business partners started the fund in July 2011.
To date, the Riley Kids Fund has received more than $200,000 in donations to assist children who receive treatment at Riley Hospital For Children. The fund provides gas and food cards to families.
Alderfer spoke about his daughter, Katherine, who was diagnosed with juvenile dermatomyositis in 2010.
He spoke about her many trips to Riley, and how the community supported their family with gas and food cards and hotel expenses.
“I am the most blessed person in the room and it is because of a room full of people like you,” Alderfer said.
Bergen spoke of his son, Ben, who also has received treatment at Riley.
Ben had surgery when he was 4 to correct a major defect in his aorta.
“What each of you has done has made a real difference in this community and whether you know it or not has been the answer to someone’s prayers,” Bergen said.
