May 31 – BEMIDJI – The
Northwest Minnesota Foundation
is seeking nominations for the 2024 Virginia McKnight Binger Heart of Community Honor Award.
The Heart of Community Honor Award, formerly the Unsung Hero Award, is presented to people across Minnesota whose compassion and contributions serve as the heartbeat of our communities, and who inspire others to join us in creating a more caring and connected state , the McKnight Foundation website states.
The newly redesigned award recognizes one person from each of Minnesota’s seven regions, including the Northwest, according to a news release.
Nominees must meet one or more of the following criteria:
* Contributes significantly through their work or service to creating a more just, creative, and abundant future for their community or other communities in Minnesota.
* Builds a more inclusive and equitable Minnesota where everyone, regardless of the color of their skin, the zip code of their birth, or who they love, belongs and has the opportunity to thrive.
* Bridges divides to promote understanding and strengthen meaningful community connections and benefits.
*Nominations must be made by persons other than the nominee.
*Only current Minnesota residents are eligible.
The McKnight Foundation has honored 319 Minnesotans with the award since 1985. Each recipient will receive a cash prize of $10,000.
Natasha Kingbird, of Red Lake, was one
recipient of the award in 2023.
The deadline for nominating people is Wednesday, June 5. To submit a nomination or for more information, visit
mcknight.org/news-ideas/nominations-open-for-2024-virginia-mcknight-binger-heart-of-community-honor.
