Nominations sought for annual Heart of Yuma Awards

The Arizona Community Foundation of Yuma is gearing up for its 18th annual Heart of Yuma Awards and is reaching out to the community to recognize local individuals and organizations.

Each year, the Heart of Yuma celebrates the “organizations and individuals who dedicate time, talent and treasure to enhance the quality of life” in the Yuma community, according to an ACF of Yuma press release.

In 2016, 70 nominations were received and every single person who accepted their nomination was awarded a crystal heart, said regional director with ACF of Yuma Veronica Shorr via email.

“This year I hope we get at least 100 heartfelt nominations that recognize local leaders, volunteers and nonprofits that have never been nominated before,” Shorr noted. “Nominating someone for the Heart of Yuma is a special way to thank those individuals that give selflessly to the community. Most people who lead, volunteer, and give with purpose don’t expect recognition or anything in return for their work. They simply do things to improve the quality of life here because they care about the Yuma community.

“Recognizing the work of community members and organizations in the community is important because without the hard work of these individuals and organizations, many of the programs and services provided to the community would not be possible,” she added. “The Heart of Yuma nomination is a nice way to acknowledge the giv- ing community — because they truly act as the ‘heart’ of Yuma through their service. The Board of Advisors and Arizona Community Foundation of Yuma staff truly believe that too.”

Nominations will be reviewed by the Heart of Yuma Blue Ribbon Panel and all nominees, whether category winners or not, will be recognized by being called forward at the Heart of Yuma event in the fall. Additionally, each nominee will receive a Heart of Yuma paperweight.

The nomination form is available on the ACF of Yuma website at www.azfoundation.org/ Heart of Yuma.

Forms must be completed and submitted before 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 15, to be considered.

For more information, contact regional philanthropic coordinator with the ACF of Yuma Miguel Salcedo or Shorr at yuma@ azfoundation.org or call 928-539-5343.