​Banquet tops list of many memories

There have been many memorable moments at this newspaper since walking through the doors for the first time in August 1983.

News. Sports. Friendships. Tragedy. I could name several in each category that have made this job and career one I’m thankful for every day.

But near the top of that list, if not at the top, has to be September 2016 when the Greene County Daily World conducted its first Difference Makers campaign. We started out with the goal of honoring the many volunteers in our community, and it ended up being much more. It was humbling to be a part of such a touching campaign and evening.

Last year we narrowed a list of Difference Maker nominees to 10, and we featured them all in a special section. Those 10 were then honored with a banquet at the Goose Pond Lodge & Retreat. Over 100 people attended to pay tribute to these outstanding individuals.

Debbie Bender of rural Worthington was selected as our Difference Maker of the Year for her work with area children and much more. It was an emotional evening for Debbie and her family, considering her husband, Gary, was recovering from major surgery.

With tears in her eyes, Debbie accepted the honor and said, “I could not do this without these people up here with me. I’m very blessed and very thankful.”

There wasn’t a dry eye in the place for several minutes.

The newspaper will honor 10 more volunteers in our community Sept. 21 at 6 p.m. at the Goose Pond Lodge & Retreat, and a Difference Maker of the Year will be named that night. The deadline to nominate someone is Friday. Please check out the nomination form at gcdailyworld.com .

Archie Ellett, lead minister at Linton First Christian Church, will be the keynote speaker. He will talk about the importance of volunteerism in a community, and how many things wouldn’t be accomplished without people like Bender and others.

Tracy Keen of State Farm Insurance in Linton, Gayle and Jerry of Linton McDonald’s, Bob Burkle Chevy/Ford of Clay City and Save-A-Lot grocery store in Linton are co-sponsors of the campaign. We thank them for their support.

The event is open to the public again this year, but limited to the first 125 who sign up. To attend, please contact the Greene County Daily World’s office at 847-4487 or 1-800-947-4487 to place your name on the list.

Please take the time to nominate someone, and then mark Sept. 21 on your calendar to attend the banquet. You won’t be disappointed.

Chris is publisher of the Greene County Daily World. He can be reached by email at cpruett79@gmail.com or by phone at 847-4487.