A night of celebrating community was in store at the Porter County Community Foundation’s 2014 Outstanding Achievements Award Ceremony. The PCCF took this time to look back on this past year’s accomplishments, but also thank those in the community who have helped them reach their goals. As part of the celebration, the Foundation recognized hardworking nonprofit organizations and volunteers with the 2014 Outstanding Achievement Awards.
Organization members from various groups around Northwest Indiana gathered in the newly-renovated banquet hall of Strongbow Inn in Valparaiso to put on this special occasion.
The Porter County Community Foundation was able to give more than $1.8 million in grants over this past year. Saying thanks to their partners and acknowledging the outstanding organization members was at the forefront of this meeting.
“We think it is really important to share, particularly with our donors, what their generosity has enabled us to do, which helps our community. It’s our way of recognizing and saying thank you, but also sharing the impact,” said president of the foundation, Barbara Young.
Among those being honored at the meeting were: Executive Director, Kristopher Krouse of Shirley Heinze Land Trust (Outstanding Nonprofit Staff Member); Hilltop Neighborhood House (Outstanding Nonprofit Agency); Board Member and McAfee Animal Hosptial’s Dr. Larry McAfee of Tatree Arboretum and Gardens (Outstanding Volunteer); and Don Quijote Restaurant’s Carlos Rivero and Elena Jambrina, Housing Opportunity supporters (Outstanding Volunteer).
“This award is really exciting and I am very honored because it’s coming from an organization that is well established and doing a lot of great things for Northwest Indiana. I don’t necessarily see it as an award for me personally, but for the whole organization. We are a really well run organization and that is because we have a great board and staff,” said award recipient and executive director at Shirley Henize Land Trust, Kristopher Krouse.
Towards the end of the program, a special award was given to Dr. Larry McAfee by Indiana State Representative Ed Soliday and Indiana State Senator Ed Charbonneau. This prestigious award is of the highest distinction in Indiana, being the designation of “Sagamore of the Wabash.”
“I am incredibly honored and humbled to receive this award. The great thing about Valparaiso and Porter County is the community spirit and the relationships that you develop. To me, it is all about giving back to this great community. Giving back is everything and it just makes me appreciate Valpo and Porter County so much for what they’ve done for me,” said Dr. Larry McAfee.
The 2014 Outstanding Achievement Awards honored the hardworking volunteers and nonprofit organizations of Northwest Indiana. The Porter County Community Foundation aims to continue to provide funds and service to the surrounding communities, “For good. For ever.”
