Description
The Community Impact Award recognizes an individual, business, or organization that has made a meaningful and lasting difference in the Lincoln community. This award celebrates those who go beyond their day-to-day role to strengthen our community through leadership, generosity, service, mentorship, advocacy, or community-building efforts.
Community impact can take many forms. It may be a large-scale initiative that brings people together and creates lasting change, or it may be the quiet, consistent commitment of someone who continually shows up to support others.
Past recipients illustrate the many ways impact can be made. Michael Ecker (of Vineland Growers) has transformed a fundraiser his late wife, Debbie, had started into a lasting community tradition. What began as a tribute has grown into an annual event that continues to bring the community together while raising more than six figures each year for Community Care of West Niagara.
Alan Gerritsen (of Jerry's Auto Body) exemplifies another kind of impact. Through years of supporting local sports teams, mentoring young people, and quietly contributing his time, expertise, and resources to community organizations, he has helped shape future leaders and strengthen the fabric of Lincoln.
The Community Impact Award is not solely about fundraising or recognition. It is about creating something bigger than yourself. It is about the people who inspire others to get involved, lend a hand, build connections, and make Lincoln a better place to live, work, and grow.
If someone comes to mind as you read this, we encourage you to nominate them.
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Community Engagement & Leadership | 20.0% |
| Social Responsibility & Impact | 20.0% |
| Collaboration & Partnerships | 20.0% |
| Employee Involvement in Community | 20.0% |
| Sustainability of Initiatives | 20.0% |