The City of Bloomington is set to roll out the red carpet for its most dedicated citizens at the 2025 Be More Awards. On Tuesday evening, community volunteers will be the stars of the show at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. In partnership with local organizations like the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County and IU Credit Union, the event promises to celebrate the best of human kindness and community service.
Free to attend without the need for tickets, the ceremony plays host to a diverse array of award categories. On offer this year are accolades addressing issues hitting close to home, such as the Be More Bloomington Award which, according to the City's announcement, is "Presented to an individual or group demonstrating excellence in addressing the issues of 2024, such as housing/homelessness, immigration, and food insecurity issues." With a focus on the arts, the Be More Creative Award will honor volunteers in that sector, aiming to shine a spotlight on those who make Bloomington a more beautiful place through their artistic contributions.
Recognizing the contributions of the elder community, the Be More Dedicated Award will go to an individual or couple over 60 for their lifetime service, while the youth won't be overlooked, with the Be More Energized Award earmarked for volunteers under the age of 25. The ceremony will also highlight corporate altruism with the Be More Engaged Award for those integrating volunteerism into their professional lives.
Adding to the philanthropic atmosphere, the awards carry more than just symbolic weight. Each honoree will see a $1,000 donation made to a nonprofit of their choosing, courtesy of the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County's kind support. This hefty sum is not just a pat on the back but a financial boost to the causes closest to the hearts of these volunteers. Among the recipients is the first winner of the Presidential Service Award, a national honor recognizing service commitment, which will be presented for the first time at this year's celebration as noted by City of Bloomington Volunteer Network's announcement. Other awards, such as the Be More Impactful, Be More Involved, and Be More Phenomenal, round out the evening's program, touching on various aspects of volunteer engagement and leadership.
The Be More Awards exemplify the spirit of community that thrives in Bloomington. With backing from the City of Bloomington, United Way of South Central Indiana, and WTIU Public Television, the event underscores not only the individual efforts of volunteers but also the collective support system that uplifts and empowers them. So come on Tuesday, the spotlight will not just be on the award recipients, but on the entire tapestry of volunteerism that keeps Bloomington's heart beating strong.
