Nominations open for Cole award

It’s a chance to put the spotlight on someone who is doing good things.
Nominations are now being accepted for the 19th annual Jack Cole Award for Volunteerism.
Established by the board of The Portland Foundation, the award honors the foundation’s first executive director.
Jay County, said Cole on Wednesday, “is blessed with incredible community pride and a network of people who care and reach out and are doing quiet things without seeking the limelight.”
Now director of member and external relations of the Indiana Philanthropy Alliance, Cole said it’s been personally rewarding over the years to see the long list of worthy recipients.
“They’re diverse in what they do,” he said.
Past recipients include Stuart Ronald, Jim Myers, Glen Theurer, Jim Bob McEwen, Leo Glogas, Kenny Bosworth, Cindy Denney, Leoris Williamson, Ralph May, Fred Bailey, Chuck Huffman, John G. Young, Gary P. Gibson, Rob Weaver, Bev Inman, Larry and Maria Hiatt, Catherine Bennett and Jeanna Ford.
Nominations for this year’s award should be by letter of recommendation, including the nominee’s name, address and a brief background describing why they are deserving.
Recipients of the Jack Cole Award receive a commemorative plaque, and a $250 donation is made by the foundation to the charity of the volunteer’s choice.
Deadline for nominations is March 24. Nominations should be sent to the foundation office at 112 E. Main St., Portland. For more information, contact the foundation at (260) 726-4260.
The award will be presented at the foundation’s annual meeting on May 18, and Cole said Wednesday he is hoping to be on hand for the presentation.