The annual Thrive Allen County dinner and awards banquet was held on November 16th in Iola, Kansas. The event is an opportunity to share the great work of our county, and to honor people who’ve made a positive difference in our communities. Congratulations to this year’s winners:
Unsung Hero Award Winners: Kathy Hale, Humboldt Historical Society Docents, and Ron Holman
Award for Excellence in Recreation: 54 Fitness
Given in recognition of the outstanding effort to broaden Moran’s recreational offerings by the City of Moran, Moran PRIDE/Thrive and Allen County native Gratz Peters through the establishment of 54 Fitness. This collaboration of people who “carried the weight” to ensure that Moran residents would have new, affordable fitness opportunities reflects a can-do attitude and demonstrates yet again what people can accomplish when they have vision and work together.
Award for Excellence in Education: The Thomas H. Bowlus Fine Arts Center andFriends of the Bowlus
Given in recognition of the volunteer efforts by countless individuals, families and businesses in support of Thomas Bowlus’ vision for education, arts and culture in Allen County. This work has included the investment of millions of dollars in improving the building and grounds of the Bowlus Center, including the recent construction of the Bowlus Fine Arts Plaza. This project has enhanced access to the Bowlus facility, and reflects the spirit that Thrive works to foster throughout Allen County.
Award for Excellence in Health and Wellness: School-Based Mental Health Partners
Given in recognition of the effort begun by Southeast Kansas Mental Health and USD 258-Humboldt, with support from the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City, to provide students with school-based mental health services. This program’s expansion to include students across the county holds promise for both improving mental and behavioral health as well as reducing the stigma of mental health services generally, and it reflects the spirit of progress and inclusion that Thrive seeks to foster across our communities.
Award for Excellence in Economic Development: A Bolder Humboldt
Given in recognition of the dynamic vision of A Bolder Humboldt that has been instrumental in changing both the economic and emotional climate of the Humboldt community. A Bolder Humboldt reflects a new perspective on the community’s physical and cultural assets that represents the spirit of inclusion and determination that Thrive works to foster throughout Allen County.
Volunteer of the Year Award: Marilyn Logan
For enthusiastically choosing to devote your time to “woman” the front desk whenever the need arises. Your deep devotion to our organization is something we deeply value. Thrive is grateful for your service to our organization, and to our county as a whole.
Lifetime Achievement Award: John McRae
This award is given with gratitude for your decades of quiet, humble service to our community. Your contributions–known and unknown–to Iola and Allen County as a business owner, mayor of Iola, president of Iola Industries, coach, mentor, member of countless boards and commissions, and a friend to so many have enriched the people and civic life of our community immensely.
Our community is a better place because of John McRae.
Donna Talkington Award: Casa of the 31st Judicial District
Children are Allen County’s most precious asset. Yet too often our community’s children are abused
and neglected, becoming subjects of court proceedings through no fault of their own. Fortunately the efforts of Court Appointed Special Advocates—“CASA” volunteers—makes all the difference in the world for these kids. CASAs give children a voice, meeting with parents, foster parents, teachers, doctors, attorneys and many others to ensure that the best interests of the child are represented at all times. Thanks to these selfless CASA volunteers our most vulnerable children have access to both tangible and emotional supports, and as a result are less likely to suffer the often permanent scars that being in “the system” can cause impressionable young people. For these reasons–and many more–we present Thrive’s highest award to the volunteers of CASA of the 31 st Judicial District for their selflessness and determination to support Allen County’s children, all of which exemplifies the positive and determined legacy of the late Donna Talkington.
