Difference Makers to be toasted in Sept. 27 event

Perhaps one of our 10 finalists for the 2018 Difference Maker awards presented by the Banner Graphic said it best:

“Your greatness is not what you have, but what you give.”

On Thursday, Sept. 27, the Banner Graphic will honor 10 Putnam County residents whose greatness shows through in what they give.

In June, we began asking for nominations of folks in the community who make a difference in someone else’s life.

The response was overwhelming, with stories rolling in of dozens of Putnam County residents who give of themselves without expectation of repayment.

While so many more are deserving of recognition, judges have narrowed the list of nominees to 10. From that list, a Difference Maker of the Year will be announced at our banquet at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27 at Greencastle Christian Church.

The 10 finalists are:

• John Berry of Cloverdale

• Robert Heavin of Bainbridge

• Jackie Hoffa of Cloverdale

• Beth Krampe of Greencastle

• Ruth Myers of Greencastle

• Randy Neeley of Bainbridge

• Shem Rees of Greencastle

• Lee Stewart of Cloverdale

• Crystal Strotman of Bainbridge

• Alan Zerkel of Coatesville

The 10 finalists will be featured in a special section of the Banner Graphic to be published Tuesday, Sept. 18.

Our keynote speaker this year is Linda Merkel, executive director of the Putnam County Youth Development Commission. Under Merkel’s guidance, PCYDC has reached some of Putnam County’s most vulnerable children through programs such as CASAs (Court-Appointed Special Advocates), Teen Court and the Choices program.

The Difference Maker program is presented in conjunction with community partners Prime Real Estate, Crown Equipment, the Putnam County Community Foundation, Putnam County Hospital, Paralegal Services, Hopwood Winery and the Greater Greencastle Chamber of Commerce, as well as a number of prize sponsors for both the Difference Maker of the Year and for all 10 finalists.

The Difference Maker of the Year will receive a prize package including gifts from the Banner Graphic and area businesses.

Each of the 10 finalists will receive a prize package on the night of the event.

The banquet is free and open to the public, though seating is limited and reservations are required. The public may begin reserving spots on Monday, Sept. 17 at 8 a.m.

You may register by contacting Banner Graphic Marketing Manager Montica Patterson at mpatterson@bannergraphic.com or (317) 694-9913.