2015 Heart of Gold Recipients are in front, Sheri Skaggs, Tri Kappa of Warsaw; Rosemary Parsons; Peggy Michel; and Sue Creighton. In back are Cathy Miller, Polly Gabbett; Mike Kissinger; Jackie Brown; Courtney Linnemeier; Scott Fox and Eric Lane, executive director of Fellowship Missions. (Photos by Deb Patterson)

By STEPHANIE OVERBY
Associate Director, Kosciusko County Community Foundation, Inc.

The Kosciusko County Community Foundation recognized 36 individuals for extraordinary service to others at their Heart of Gold program Thursday evening..

Each person nominated for a Heart of Gold award received a pin, a certificate and a Community Foundation grant to award to the charity of their choice, in their name and honor.

Ten nominations were highlighted at the event. They included:

Jackie Brown of Cromwell for her volunteer work for the North Webster community including Habitat for Humanity, the North Webster Church of God and Lifecare House where needy families can obtain hygiene products and other non-food items.

Sue Creighton of Warsaw for her work helping victims of domestic violence through her service on the Beaman Home Board of Directors and with Altrusa.

Scott Fox of Warsaw for his volunteer work with Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Warsaw Kiwanis, North Webster Lions Club, the Wawasee Super Mileage Team and Kosciusko County Community Foundation.

Polly Gabbett of Warsaw who was nominated for her volunteer work with Hospice patients. She loves to help people live their remaining days to the fullest.

Pat Heiden of Syracuse who was nominated for her volunteer work with Syracuse Elementary students for the past six years. Mrs. Heiden works with children in small groups who need extra help or attention. She organizes and hosts birthday parties for students and loves each one unconditionally.

Mike Kissinger of North Webster who was nominated for his many volunteer efforts with North Webster Community Center including operating their sound system for events, running basketball and volleyball leagues, creating the Kids Business Fair and helping maintain the building and equipment.

Courtney Linnemeier, a student at Wawasee High School, for her volunteerism and leadership on the Wawasee High School Warrior Leadership Committee and in raising funds for Special Olympics.

Peggy Michel of Claypool who was nominated for her volunteer work with Cardinal Services, Oak Grove Community Church, Tippecanoe Watershed and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Cathy Miller of Warsaw for her advocacy work through CASA for children who have suffered abuse or neglect.

Rosemary Parsons of Warsaw for a lifetime of service to organizations such as the Senior Activity Center, March of Dimes and Celebration Church and her current work with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

For a complete list of nominees view Heart of Gold Nominees.

For the first time a Heart of Gold Non-Profit and Heart of Gold Service Club was recognized, nominated by their peers. Fellowship Missions and Tri-Kappa received the nominations.

The Community Foundation hosts the Heart of Gold awards annually as a way to recognize everyday people who serve others in extraordinary ways. The event is a way for the Foundation to demonstrate its belief that anyone can be a philanthropist through gifts of time, talent or treasure.

Since 1968, Kosciusko County Community Foundation, Inc. has brought caring people and charitable endeavors together for the good of the community. The Community Foundation is a public charity, and gifts made to the Foundation are tax-deductible. For more information about the Community Foundation, visit www.KCFoundation.org, call (574) 267-1901, or visit our office at 102 E. Market St., Warsaw.