Celebrating Local Volunteers

The Heart of Gold Award honors LaGrange County residents whose volunteer spirit and selfless service make a lasting difference. Nominees are recognized for giving their time and talents to create positive change, improve lives, and inspire others to serve.

Award & Recognition

Each nominee may direct a $500 grant to a local charity from an approved list. The award recipient will direct a $1,000 grant. Nominees will be recognized at the Celebration of Philanthropy Reception on October 16, 2025, from 5–7 p.m. at Dallas Lake Park Lodge.

Nomination Guidelines

• Open to any individual, regardless of age, who enhances the quality of life for others.

• Groups, family members, and past recipients are not eligible.

• Recognition is for volunteer service only, not work performed as part of paid employment.

• Excerpts from nominations will be shared publicly.

Nomination Deadline: September 5, 2025

Heart of Gold Award

Past​ Recipients

2024: Kent Andrews

2023: Amy Whited

2022: Allisa Brown

2021: Dean Domer and Shanan Staton

2020: Erica Cook

2019: Richard Yoder

2018: Larry Strayer

2017: Kevin Lambright

2016: Steve Sherck

2015: Sue Keenan

2014: Jack Miller

2013: Randy Packer

2012: Colton Strawser

2011: Rhonda Bartlett

2010: Dave Clark