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 and their nominators are invited to the Celebration of Philanthropy Reception on October 16, 2025, from 5–7 p.m. at Dallas Lake Park Lodge, where all honorees will be recognized. 

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