Heart of Gold Award
Has Someone Touched Your Heart?
The Heart of Gold Award honors LaGrange County citizens who embrace a volunteer spirit and unselfishly give of themselves to serve others. These individuals have been nominated by their peers in recognition of their service.
Nominees share their time and energy for the sake of others, render a service that changes lives, work to create positive change and inspire others to volunteer.
What Do Heart of Gold Award Recipients Receive?
Each Heart of Gold nominee receives the opportunity to direct a $500 grant to the charity of their choice (from an approved list provided by the LaGrange County Community Foundation). The Heart of Gold Award recipient will have the opportunity to direct a $1,000 grant to their charity of choice.
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
Any person, regardless of age, who enhances the quality of life of others is eligible for nomination.
- Nominations will not be accepted for groups. Only individuals can be nominated.
- Nominations will not be accepted for family members or past award recipients.
- While many people do great things on the job, the Heart of Gold Award is for volunteer service, not exemplary work as a course of their employment.
All nominees will be announced on the Community Foundation website, and excerpts of their nomination will be shared with the public. Nominators and nominees may be contacted for a video interview prior to the event.
The nominations are CLOSED for 2025
Heart of Gold Award Past Recipients
2025: Jean Fremion-Litke
2024: Kent Andrews
2023: Amy Whited
2022: Allisa Brown
2021: Dean Domer & 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
