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Call for Nominations for the 2015 Jenco Awards to Honor Appalachian Ohio’s Unsung Heroes

Awards Honor Individuals Who Have Shown Leadership in the Service of Others

NELSONVILLE, OHIO – The Jenco Foundation Fund Committee is seeking nominations for the 2015 Jenco Awards. The Jenco Awards, which began in 2002 to uphold the legacy of Father Martin Jenco, are cash awards for individuals in Appalachian Ohio who have performed noteworthy community service in the region. Nominations are invited from the public and must be postmarked by June 1, 2015. The nomination form can be downloaded here.

For years, the Jenco Foundation celebrated the legacy of Father Martin Jenco and recognized unsung heroes across Appalachia who honored his spirit through their work. Planning for the future and wanting to see its mission live on, the Jenco Foundation opened an endowed fund at the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO).

Founded in 2001 by journalist Terry Anderson, the Jenco Foundation was established in honor of Father Martin Jenco. A Catholic priest who was kidnapped in Beirut while serving as director of Catholic Relief Services, Father Jenco was a source of inspiration to many, including fellow captive Anderson, because of his compassion and service.

“It has been personally fulfilling to be able to participate in the Jenco Foundation program that recognizes and honors those whose everyday efforts make communities better places,” said Carolyn Fisk, a member of The Jenco Foundation Fund Committee. “Their actions are the core of what it means to be a humanitarian.”

The Jenco Award recognizes individuals for their service contributions. Though these efforts need not be religious in the formal sense, they demonstrate direct, caring action that contributes to the quality of life of individuals living in Appalachian Ohio. Jenco Awardees are celebrated for visionary leadership in the service of others. Their commitment to others is not simply a part of their daily jobs; it is a passion. Nominations are encouraged across all areas essential to quality of life, including health and human services, education, environmental stewardship, community and economic development, and arts and culture. To watch a video showcasing the stories of the 2014 Jenco Award winners, visit the Jenco Foundation Fund on their webpage.

“The Jenco Foundation Fund lifts up the stories of individuals across our region, who inspire us through their commitment to others,” said FAO President and CEO Cara Dingus Brook. “As a community foundation, we are devoted to creating opportunities for citizens across Appalachian Ohio. The recipients of the Jenco Awards live that mission through their actions every day.”

For more information on the Jenco Award, making a nomination visit their webpage. Gifts to The Jenco Foundation Fund are tax deductible and can be made in a number of ways, including cash, bequests, and life insurance. To mail your donation, please designate The Jenco Foundation Fund and mail to the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, PO Box 456, Nelsonville, OH 45764. Donations can also be made online by visiting our online giving page and selecting The Jenco Foundation Fund when making a donation.