Local award attempts to acknowledge 'behind the scenes' work

Once a year, a handful of local volunteers are formally recognized for their efforts within the community.

On April 2, the Buskirk-Chumley Theater will be the host of the annual Be More Awards. These awards, sponsored by the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network and its co-sponsors, will recognize individuals that have demonstrated outstanding volunteer work throughout Monroe County within the past year.

This year, there were 89 nominees, 10 of whom will receive awards. These 10 recipients will win a specific category. However, there are multiple recipients allowed in one category.

 The categories vary from year to year. This year, they will include Recreation and Fitness,  Arts and Culture, and Education, along with several other categories. Be More Dedicated, the lifetime achievement award, will also be presented.

Nominations were taken from Dec. 10 to Feb. 1. These nominations were submitted by the general public, community businesses, friends or family members. The recipients are then decided by an independent selection committee and the results are kept secret until the night of the ceremony.

The awards make an effort to acknowledge those people who make a difference “behind the scenes,” Bet Savich, director of the Bloomington Volunteer Network said.

The awards identify the efforts that tend to go unrecognized.

“People will notice that there’s a wonderful play in town, but they won’t think about who volunteered to build the sets,” Savich said.

These awards give the needed recognition to these volunteers, she said.
Each recipient will receive a plaque as well as a $500 check from the
Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County that will benefit the organization they volunteer with.

“Usually the volunteers themselves don’t have that kind of money to give them, but they’re very committed to them,” Savich said. “It’s a good opportunity to learn what’s happening in Bloomington and who is making it happen.”

The award ceremony is free and open to the public, beginning 7 p.m. Attendees are also encouraged to invite friends and family members.

WTIU is one of five companies that has partnered with the Be More Awards this year. This will be WTIU’s fifth year of partnership.

“To us, volunteers are the lifeblood of service in this community and we think those people should be acknowledged, recognized and celebrated,” Phil Meyer, station manager for WTIU, said. “These people keep our non-profits and social service agencies going. There are all kinds of great stories.”

Some of the stories include raising money for underprivileged children, a relocation project for stray animals and various fraternity and sorority volunteer work.

“The people who receive these awards are very modest about their achievements and their contributions. This is one way that we can shine a spotlight on them and get them some recognition,” he said. “They’re often doing a lot of work without any recognition. We’re very proud to recognize them and get them the recognition they deserve.”