You can nominate deserving friends, neighbors, and volunteers for the 31st Annual Heart of Gold Awards through the Community Foundation of Whitley County. This annual celebration of kindness for local citizens has become a tradition to honor Whitley County’s most important asset – people who care.
We are looking for individuals who step up without being asked to help. The considerate neighbor who helps you carry your groceries or take out your trash; the senior who shares her bounty of garden produce; the teenager who is willing to mow your grass or shovel your driveway for free; the couple who faithfully volunteer at a local nonprofit; or the kind-hearted friend who helps with chores around your house.
There’s no age limit – nominees just need to live in Whitley County. This event is centered on individual acts of kindness; groups of volunteers and employees are not eligible.
In 100 words or less, nominators should tell us why their nominee has a heart of gold. Tell us about the act of kindness and why it made a difference. To nominate someone, you will need their name, address, and phone number. The same information is needed from the nominator or person submitting the nomination.
You can submit a nomination in one of three ways:
- Mail to: CFWC/Heart of Gold Awards/1171 E. Woods Way, Columbia City, IN 46725
- Online: www.cfwhitley.org; go to the “Connect” tab; look for “Heart of Gold” and click on “Nominate Someone”
- Email: [email protected]
The deadline for submitting nominations is August 21, 2026.
All nominees will receive a medallion at a gathering to celebrate their contributions to our community. At that time, their nominators will be revealed! As in years past, select nominees will be chosen to receive a Highlight Award which enables the recipient to direct a grant to a Whitley County non-profit organization.
For more information, contact the Community Foundation at (260) 244-5224 or visit their website: Heart of Gold Awards – Community Foundation of Whitley County
