Heart of Gold Awards to recognize our community's unsung heroes
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
We are taught, even as small children, to say thank you to show our appreciation. Yet, in adulthood we often find it difficult to adequately express the words to show our appreciation for the acts of kindness shown to us. We learn that sometimes a simple “thank you” does not seem to be enough.
Fortunately, for the past 13 years, the Whitley County Community Foundation has developed a means by which local residents can say thank you to special people in a very big, meaningful way.
The Heart of Gold Awards celebrate and recognize those in the community who have gone above and beyond for someone else. Anyone Whitley County resident, regardless of age, who has touched someone else’s life in a special way is eligible to be nominated for a Heart of Gold Award.
To nominate someone for a Heart of Gold Award, pick up a nomination form at businesses throughout the community, public libraries or online at www.whitleycountycommunityfoundation.org
Residents nominated for a Heart of Gold award are eligible for nomination once again as long as they are being nominated for a different reason or act of kindness.
The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, March 14, and nomination forms must be submitted via the mail or in person at the Whitley County Community Foundation, 400 North Whitley Street, Columbia City, IN 46725.
Lengthy narratives are not necessary when filling out a Heart of Gold nomination, however, please keep in mind that portions of the nominations may be reprinted in local publications and should be suitable for that purpose. The Whitley County Community Foundation staff will provide assistance in filling out forms, if needed, by calling 244-5224.
Each nominee will receive a gold, heart-shaped medallion with their name engraved upon the surface and will be recognized in a ceremony on April 24 at Indian Springs Middle School.
Three overall winners will be selected and given the opportunity to direct a $1,000 grant to the local non-profit organization of their choice.