MASON COUNTY — Unsung heroes often don’t like the limelight though there’s currently a unique way to honor them and their deeds - the Spirit of Our Community Awards.

The awards are a joint venture between the Mason County Community Foundation (MCCF) and Point Pleasant Register. Last year was the first year for the awards where individuals were recognized for their efforts to better the community at a special ceremony and benefit for the MCCF.

Last year’s winners included: Dr. Jack Buxton for Health Services; Donna Jean Sharp for Human Services; Gerry Enrico for Arts & Cultural Activities; Suzanne Dickens for Youth & Education; Charles Lanham for Economic Development; and Point Pleasant High School Athletic Facility Committee for Recreation.

This year a new crop of volunteers will be recognized but there’s a need for more submissions before the Sept. 3 deadline. Though some nominations have already been submitted there is a need for more to showcase those who create that “spirit of our community” through this special recognition program.

This year four to six winners will be chosen and honored at the annual Spirit of Our Community Benefit on Nov. 15. As reported last week, honorariums of $5,000 each will be awarded to community grant funds in honor of this year’s recipients. These honorariums will be earmarked for Mason County Arts and Education, Youth, and the Mason County Community Foundation Scholarship Funds. Award winners will also be featured in a special newspaper section the week of Nov. 5.

To submit a nomination, fill out and send in a brief nomination form along with a written paragraph or two outlining why the nominee should be considered. It was reported that it’s important the judges be given a general understanding of the type of things nominees have done and how their actions have impacted the community.

Nomination forms are available online at Our Community’s Foundation website, www. pacfwv.com, by clicking on ‘News and Events,’ then click on the Mason County Spirit of Our Community Program story. Within the story is a link that allows you to download a nomination form. Forms may also be obtained by calling 304-372-8588. Nominations may be mailed to the Mason County Community Foundation, P.O. Box 66, Point Pleasant. The deadline for submitting a nomination is Sept. 3.

“This is a great way to honor those who are working hard for Mason County,” said Jane Winters, Our Community’s Foundation Regional Manager of Affiliates. “It will take just a few minutes to submit a nomination and in turn will give these special people an honor of a lifetime. The deadline of September 3 is quickly approaching, so take 15 or 20 minutes this week and submit a nomination.”

It was reported those who volunteer their time or financial support to help children, the elderly, or the ill might be candidates for the Spirit award. Volunteers who are involved in emergency services, animal welfare, or beatification of public spaces also should be considered. Winners will be selected in a wide variety of categories.

(Note: Some information for this article provided by Our Community’s Foundation, Parkersburg Area Community Foundation and Regional Affiliates).