The LaGrange County Community Foundation is seeking nominations for its 16th yearly Heart of Gold Award. Graphic from LaGrange County Community Foundation.

News Release

LAGRANGE — The LaGrange County Community Foundation is seeking nominations for its 16th yearly Heart of Gold Award, an honor given to a LaGrange County individual making a difference through volunteering.

The Heart of Gold Award honors LaGrange County citizens who embrace a volunteer spirit, serve others and work to create positive change. Nominations are sought for individuals who recognize needs and fulfill them, share time and energy for the sake of others, render a service which changes lives, work to create positive change and inspire others to volunteer.

Any person, regardless of age, who enhances the quality of life of others is eligible for nomination.

Nominations for this year’s Heart of Gold Award will be accepted until Friday, Sept. 5. A review committee of the Community Foundation Board of Directors will select the recipient from submitted nominations.

Previous Heart of Gold recipients are Kent Andrews, 2024; Amy Whited, 2023; Allisa Brown, 2022; Shanon Staton and Dean Domer, 2021; Erica Cook, 2020; Richard Yoder, 2019; Larry Strayer, 2018; Kevin Lambright, 2017; Steve Sherck, 2016; Sue Keenan, 2015; Jack Miller, 2014; Randy Packer, 2013; Colton Strawser, 2012; Rhonda Bartlett, 2011; and Dave Clark, 2010.

“Each year, we’re inspired by the selfless individuals who pour their time and energy into causes throughout LaGrange County. These volunteers don’t do it for recognition — they do it because they believe in making a difference,” said Executive Director Octavia Yoder. “The Community Foundation is proud to honor their unwavering commitment and heartfelt service.”

While many people go above and beyond and do great things on the job, the Heart of Gold Award is designed to honor the volunteers who make a difference serving with LaGrange County nonprofits and community programs. Nominations cannot be made for family members or groups; nominations will only be accepted for individuals.

All nominees will be recognized at the LaGrange County Community Foundation’s Celebration of Philanthropy Reception on Thursday, Oct. 16 at Dallas Lake Park Lodge. The recipient will be announced at the event.

Each Heart of Gold nominee will receive the opportunity to direct a $500 grant to the LaGrange County nonprofit of their choice from an approved list provided by the LaGrange County Community Foundation. The Heart of Gold Award recipient also will have the opportunity to direct a $1,000 grant to their LaGrange County nonprofit of choice.

The Heart of Gold Award nomination form is available on the Foundation’s website. To make a nomination, visit Lccf.net/Heart-of-Gold-Award.