Group taking nominations for 'unsung heros'

August 12, 2003|by MARLO BARNHART

The Washington County Community Foundation is accepting nominations of unsung heroes for The People's Choice award.

For the fourth year in a row, the foundation will honor three people in the community who work behind the scenes to make life better for others in Washington County.

The People's Choice award nominations are due by Oct. 3.

Last year's winners were William McLean for his 50 years on the board at the Washington County Association for Retarded Citizens; Vivian Hackman, who volunteered more than 43,000 hours for the Washington County Hospital Auxiliary; and Ralph Stottlemyer Jr., a Washington County teacher and veteran coach.

In 2001, the foundation gave The People's Choice award to Jean Wainwright of Food Resources Inc.; Cindi Messersmith, of REACH Inc., and Charles R. Rowe Sr. of Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Washington County.

In 2000, the foundation honored Mildred Fiery of Girls Inc. and the Western Maryland Hospital Fund; Dorothy Truax of Clear Spring Elementary PTA; and Betty Willson of Social Services Help Center.

The recipients each receive a $5,000 Endowment Fund for the nonprofit of their choice. The three winners will be honored at an awards banquet on Nov. 6.

The foundation serves as a partner and resource for community philanthropy, providing flexible and cost-effective ways for donors to improve the quality of life in their community, now and in the future.

The foundation is comprised of businesspeople in the community.

The Community Foundation was started in 1996 with $9,000, and now has assets of approximately $6 million in 90 funds, according to Executive Director Brad Sell.

Nominations for The People's Choice award can be mailed to Community Foundation of Washington County, 14606 Pennsylvania Ave., Hagerstown, MD 21742.

For more information, call the offices of the Community Foundation at 301-745-5210; or Michael Day, chairman, People's Choice committee, at 301-739-6820.

|

|

|