MutualBank announced the winners of the BetterLife Award, as part of the 125th anniversary celebration, Oct. 18. MutualBank hosted the BetterLife Awards Celebration at Grace College, Winona Lake.

More than 300 people were in attendance, including nominators of the BetterLife award, nominee finalists of the BetterLife Award, MutualBank employees and the board of directors. All 125 finalists of the BetterLife Award were recognized and the top 17 winners were announced. The winners were determined through online voting over the course of two and a half weeks.

Bronze winners received $250 for the charity of their choice. A local recipient is Karilyn Metcalf from Kosciusko County.

Silver winners received $500 for the charity of their choice. A local winner is Mary Russell.

Gold winners received $1,250 for the charity of their choice. Locally, Mary Jane Hiles was a winner.

Platinum winners received $5,000 for the charity of their choice. Mary Ann Cox was a local winner.

The grand prize winner of the MutualBank BetterLife Award was Lyndsey Estep, Selma, who received $12,500 to donate to a charity of her choice. She received a standing ovation as she accepted the BetterLife Award. She said to the group in attendance, “I am honored to receive this award, and I’m very happy to be able to help others.” She is carefully considering the organizations and causes she is passionate about, but has not yet determined who will be the recipient of the donation.

After the event, one guest said, “It was so refreshing to hear the good that is happening in our communities. So often, all we hear is the bad. I’m walking away this evening inspired to continue spreading good.”