Nomination period now open for 2018 Humanitarian Award

News Release

Date: Sept. 6, 2018

Contact: Louise Knauer, (417) 864-6199; or lknauer@cfozarks.org

Applications are now being accepted for the 2018 Humanitarian Award to honor a southwest Missouri resident for service that contributes to the betterment of his or her community. This year will mark the 29th annual Humanitarian Award, which was founded by the late Jewell Thompson Schweitzer. Mrs. Schweitzer passed away in April.

The deadline for nominations is 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 5, 2018. Nominations can be submitted online at: http://www.formstack.com/forms/CFO-humanitarian.

Nominations also may be emailed or mailed to Suzette West with the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce at: suzette@springfieldchamber.com; or Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, 2018 Humanitarian Award, P.O. Box 1687, Springfield, MO 65801. The nominations will be evaluated by an independent committee of three members of the clergy and three community leaders under the direction of the Chamber.

The award criteria describe a humanitarian as “an individual who has the courage to take decisive action, the wisdom to face aggressive challenges, and the willingness to sacrifice to affect these causes that have a long-term impact on the betterment of the community.” The award is designed to recognize a living person; posthumous nominations are not accepted. More information about the criteria is available at: www.cfozarks.org/humanitarian/

This year’s luncheon to honor the 2018 Humanitarian will take place at noon, Thursday, Dec. 6, at the Darr Agricultural Center, 2401 S. Kansas Expressway. The winner receives a $5,000 cash award, which he or she has traditionally donated to a favorite charity.

Recent honorees include the 2017 Humanitarians Dr. David and Linda Brown, for their work with the homeless through the Gathering Tree and Eden Village; 2016 Humanitarian Hearld Ambler, for his service providing tax preparation for seniors; and 2015 Humanitarian Kurt Larson, founder of Missouri Safe and Sober.

Founded in 1973, the CFO is the region’s largest public charitable foundation serving a network of donors, 49 affiliate foundations and nonprofit partners across central and southern Missouri through about 3,100 funds with assets of $283 million as of June 30.

Community Foundation of the Ozarks

425 E. Trafficway

Springfield, MO, 65806

(417) 864-6199

Fax (417) 864-8344

www.cfozarks.org

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