2011 Be More Award Recipients
View all of the 86 Be More Award nominee profiles here.
Thank you WTIU!
WTIU Public Television has produced video interviews of all of the recipients. Click the link in the recipient description to view each volunteer in action - and in their own words!
Be More Collaborative Award (Group or Family)
Bloomington Symphony Orchestra
For 41 years the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra (BSO) has promoted lifelong appreciation for music. Now, their Children's Instrument Recovery Program (CHIRP) makes reconditioned used instruments available for children so they can fully participate in and enjoy school music programs. Watch Video
Be More Involved Award (College Student)
Pi Kappa Phi, IU Bloomington Chapter
Stone Belt
While it would be easy to focus exclusively on academic and social pursuits, the men of Pi Kappa Phi have also demonstrated their commitment to helping individuals with disabilities fully participate in the life of the community. The enthusiasm and sincere enjoyment the members bring to their interactions with the clients of Stone Belt is infectious. Watch Video
Be More Sustainable Award (Animal/Environmental)
Bobbi Boos
Local Growers Guild
Bobbi Boos is dedicated to a more sustainable and more localized food community. A founding member of the Local Growers Guild, Bobbi served as a board member, treasurer, office manager, and an advocate for local food for more than five years. Watch Video
Be More Phenomenal Award (Board Service)
Jo Gilbertson
Citizen Advocacy of South-Central Indiana, Inc
Jo Gilbertson has been a board officer of Citizen Advocacy of South-Central Indiana (CASCI) since its inception eleven years ago. She is passionate about matching people with disabilities with other community members for friendship and advocacy. Watch Video
Be More Creative Award (Arts and Culture)
Jim Hettmer
Bloomington Playwrights Project
Jim Hettner continues to go above and beyond, day in and day out, exceeding all expectations along the way so much that the Bloomington Playwrights Project staff invented a word just for him: Devoteer! Watch Video
Be More Energized (Youth)
Lauren Means
The Villages
Lauren serves children at The Villages, collects donations for the "Walk for the Animals," and engages children in activities at WonderLab each week. Through self-initiated projects, Lauren shows how kids can make a difference in their community. Watch Video
Be More Knowledgeable Award (Education and Literacy)
VITAL Program Volunteers
VITAL (Volunteers in Tutoring Adult Learners) at Monroe County Public Library
VITAL tutors provide free confidential tutoring for adults in our community who need to improve their reading, writing, math, or English language skills. A picture may be worth a thousand words, but the ability to read a thousand words transforms lives. Watch Video
Be More Bloomington Award (General)
Jim Beeson
First Christian Church
Jim Beeson has a heart for those in poverty. Seven days a week, Jim works for those suffering from poverty through First Christian Church, Hoosier Hills Food Bank, and Circles. Jim is an amazing man who models servant leadership. Watch Video
Be More Bloomington (General)
City of Bloomington Black History Month Steering Committee
City of Bloomington (Safe and Civil City Program)
For 8 years, the City of Bloomington Black History Month Steering Committee has worked to implement programs that increase awareness about the contributions of African-Americans. Highlights of 2011's programming included the Kick-off Tribute to Montford Point Marines and the Black History Month Gala. Watch Video
Be More Dedicated (Lifetime)
Henry Upper
Stone Belt and First United Methodist Church
Henry has truly given a lifetime of service and leadership to the community of Bloomington. Through his efforts with Stone Belt, First United Methodist Church (and by extension Shalom Center, the Interfaith Winter Shelter, and Habitat for Humanity) and the Friends of Music, he has touched and impacted thousands upon thousands of lives. Henry has made our community more vibrant, accessible, nurturing, welcoming, supportive, inclusive and beautiful through his kindness, compassion, generosity, and vision. Watch Video