The Unsung Heroes of Our State

I had the privilege of attending an event celebrating volunteerism, service, and corporate engagement last night in Indianapolis at the Governor’s house that was hosted by the Indiana Office of Faith-based and Community Initiatives. 

OFBCI mission is to Connect organizations and communities to grants, services, and each other; Promote volunteerism and service to improve the lives of Hoosiers; Encourage public and private resources to seed and sustain innovative and high quality community and faith-based initiatives; and, Highlight the good works of individuals and their communities with best practices and innovative models. 

Every year this office invites the state of Indiana to nominate outstanding Hoosiers that go far beyond what an average volunteer invests into their community. Last night they gave out eight awards to individuals, an entire neighborhood in Indianapolis, and a corporation that gives more attention to their community than any other I’ve seen. It was quite an honor to be present.

I was invited last night because I was a judge for one of the categories. There were around 25 nominations in my category and the team of judges I was on all had a hard time deciding who should have one. It’s like trying to pick your favorite kid. Everyone deserved to be acknowledged for their dedication to their communities. 

I walked away last night grateful for the gift of being a part of a small event in our state’s capital that celebrated people giving what they have in their hand in an attempt to make their community a little better. I also know that these eight awards only represent a small fraction of all the incredible people in our state and around the nation that give everything they have to help their fellow neighbor and go unknown.

So, acknowledge the most generous person you know this week with a thank you, a gift, or by telling their story to all of us so we remember how great our community is.