Be More Awards 2020 Recipients
Ten awards were presented via a virtual online Recipient Reveal on July 14, 2020.
The full video playlist is available on YouTube.
View all of the honored nominees in the commemorative booklet here.
2020 Activate Award (judges selection)
Jerry Gonyo :: IU Health Alzheimer's Resource Service
Jerry Gonyo is a tireless volunteer who constantly advocates for those living with dementia. While supporting his wife living with dementia, Jerry volunteered with Bloomington's Community Dementia Alliance (a group of people living with dementia and their care partners who start supportive programs). He also volunteers time doing clerical work, runs a local care partner book club, helps set up and tear down for monthly support groups, organizes and raises funds for the Walk to End Alzheimer's local team, and contributes to many committees for Dementia Friendly Bloomington. Because of Jerry's involvement, our Dementia Friendly Communities have been able to thrive. Watch the Jerry's Recipient Reveal Video.
Be More Empowering (judges choice)
Don Byrd and William Ellis :: Braver Angels
Don Byrd and William Ellis worked together to bring Braver Angels, a national organization formed after the 2016 election as a response to the deep divisions in our communities, to Bloomington. Don, a lifelong progressive Democrat, got the idea to start a chapter in Bloomington and approached William as head of the Republican Party simply to ask him to recommend someone. Instead, Mr. Ellis jumped right in himself. Together they have hosted a series of workshops and events. These events enable participants, who would normally not talk to each other because of their preconceived ideas about the other, find ways to understand each other, and discover common ground. Don and William have devoted countless hours to creating this important organization. Watch Don and William's Recipient Reveal Video.
Be More Empowering (judges choice)
Women Build Committee :: Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County
The Habitat for Humanity Women Build Committee is responsible for planning the Women Build each year, a blitz build that constructs two homes in less than two weeks with Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County. Every year, this group of women coordinates nearly all aspects of the build, recruiting a community of nearly 400 women volunteers and fundraisers, procuring breakfast, lunch, and snack donations for each day of the two-week build, and encouraging every woman to raise at least $250. Since its creation 20 years ago, Women Build has raised nearly $2,000,000, constructed 29 homes, and helped house nearly 70 people, including 39 children. Watch the Women Build Committee's Recipient Reveal Video.
Be More Uplifting (judges choice)
Cindy Neidhart :: Bloomington Thrift / Shop Psi Iota Xi
Cindy Neidhart is a shining example of giving beyond oneself. As a past two-term President for the Bloomington Thrift Shop, Cindy now acts as an advisor for the board. Cindy has been fundamental in establishing key communication tools. One significant way she has done this was the development of The Thrifty Shopper, an online newsletter featuring weekly specials. Cindy worked hundreds of hours to develop the list-serve and to learn how to create an attractive weekly flier. She has continued to work with the Shop publicity even while traveling. If everyone conducted themselves as humbly, cheerfully, and diligently as Cindy, our world would have no want or pain. Watch Cindy's Recipient Reveal Video.
Be More Bloomington (general)
Shawn Rector :: Best Buddies International Conference
For 6+ years, Shawn Rector has volunteered at the Best Buddies International Leadership Conference at IU as a Speech Coach, helping the person to which he’s assigned create, perfect, and deliver a speech about their life, advocacy in their community, and how being part of Best Buddies has impacted their lives. He also organizes and sets up the Friendship Walk in Dunn Meadow and the International Dance at IMU Alumni Hall. Shawn experiences life with a physical disability but that is not a hurdle to being one of the most driven volunteers each year, signing up for hours of duties each day of the 3-day weekend that hosts over 2000 individuals from around the globe. Watch Shawn's Recipient Reveal Video.
Be More Phenomenal (board member)
Sara Laughlin :: Teachers Warehouse
Sara Laughlin is a difference-maker. Her capacity to strengthen the organizational underpinnings of Teachers Warehouse as a board member and volunteer extraordinaire has moved TW to a higher level of service, accountability, and competency in the community. She has increased the client base of teachers, resulting in more students' needs being met. Her gifts of wordsmithing, persuading, and networking have resulted in increased donations that are needed to offset the costs of purchasing classroom supplies. Without Sara, Teachers Warehouse would not be the progressive, dynamic nonprofit organization that it has grown to be. Watch Sara's Recipient Reveal Video.
Be More Collaborative (group or family)
Shalom Center Volunteers :: Shalom Community Center
Shalom Community Center is an all-inclusive resource center for people living in poverty and experiencing hunger, homelessness, and a lack of access to basic life necessities. None of the center's resources could be offered without the help of volunteers. Kitchen volunteers prepare breakfast and lunch, serve, and clean up, seven days a week, every week of the year. Hospitality desk volunteers attend to the personal needs of guests. Volunteer job search coaches help guests navigate online job searches and develop resumes. Volunteers provide activities and services like haircuts and arts activities. There are clerical and administrative support volunteers too. Most importantly, our volunteers do all this while treating everyone with compassion and respect. Watch Shalom Center's Volunteer Recipient Reveal Video.
Be More Knowledgeable (education/literacy)
Laura Jesseph :: Kids with Absent Parents
Laura Jesseph is a board member of the local NAMI chapter and for the past two years, her volunteer activities have also included the Kids with Absent Parents (KAP) program. KAP began in response to the needs of children who are separated from one or both parents, often as a result of incarceration, mental disabilities or addiction. Laura organizes 90 minutes of activities for up to 20 kids for KAP’s bi-monthly meetings. She coordinates a crew of caring volunteers who plan creative activities, including crafts, drama, music, and games. Guitar in hand, Laura often leads songs, tells stories, and prepares cool craft projects herself. Her kind, loving, and humorous spirit touches everyone she works and plays with. Watch Laura's Recipient Reveal Video.
Be More Involved (college student)
Nathaniel Prather :: Generosity Feeds
Indiana University student Nathaniel Prather is devoted to serving the needs of children and combating child hunger. Nathaniel has contributed a great deal to Generosity Feeds, including organizing the Generosity Feeds local event, which makes over 12,000 meals to be distributed to students. Nathaniel also encourages other IU students to volunteer in his role as the head of the IU student organization St. Jude Hospital Volunteers and Advocates. He also volunteers at the Salvation Army, Pantry 279, and organized the Foundational Friendships mentoring program at Batchelor Middle School. Nathaniel is a great example of IU students contributing to the Bloomington community. Watch Nathaniel's Recipient Reveal Video.
Be More Sustainable (sustainability/environment)
Matt Wessel :: Bloomington Trash Haters
Matt Wessel works toward making public places safer and more pleasant for all in the Bloomington Community. Matt spends most of his days picking up trash around public places and has the mission of picking up all syringes within the community. In addition to undergoing safe syringe handling and disposal training, Matt has donated time and funds to beautify our city by buying all needed materials for the cleanup, for himself and other volunteers, himself. Matt Wessel encourages others to keep Bloomington clean and founded the Bloomington Trash Haters group to help spread the word. Watch Matt's Recipient Reveal Video.
Be More Creative (arts & culture)
Katherine Devich :: Middle Way House
Katherine Devich began her work with Middle Way House 25 years ago when she began buying purses for MWH residents and filling them with small essentials - like alarm clocks, paper, pens, and more. She now plays an active role in Middle Way House’s Wrapped in Love project and serves as this year's Wrapped in Love Volunteer Chair. Katherine helps organize volunteers from the beginning to the end of this project, manages data with trees’ sizes and locations for over 40 sweaters, donates appliances to families in need, and raises funds for the Middle Way House. Throughout her 25 years volunteering with Middle Way House, she has impacted thousands of lives with her service. Watch Katherine's Recipient Reveal Video.
Be More Dedicated (lifetime of service)
Shirley Fitzgibbons :: Monroe County CASA
Shirley Fitzgibbons’ lifelong generosity with her time, expertise, and effort has benefited the community enormously. Her commitment to helping children live fuller, safer lives is evident in her volunteer work with numerous community agencies. Her service includes over 20 years as a CASA in Monroe County, answering the crisis line at Middle Way House, and serving on several boards of directors including. Volunteers in Tutoring Adult Learners, Friends of the Library, the Monroe County Women’s Commission, the South Central Indiana Sewer Board, and Bloomington Worldwide Friendship. Watch Shirley's Recipient Reveal Video.
A COMMUNITY COLLABORATION
The City of Bloomington Volunteer Network, the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County, the IU Credit Union, the United Way of Monroe County and WTIU Public Television salute all of the nominees who give so generously of their time and talent to the community.
The Be More Awards are presented in partnership by:
