The Avedis Foundation has announced a call for nominations for the Michelle Briggs “We’re Here for Good” Service Award, created as an annual recognition of an individual who has provided exemplary service to the community.

The award takes its name from the Foundation’s first president and CEO, Michelle Briggs, who led Avedis from its establishment in 2012 until her retirement in 2018. “We’re Here for Good” is the Foundation’s signature statement, as Avedis supports public agencies, educational institutions, municipalities and other not-for-profit organizations within Pottawatomie County and the surrounding communities of Seminole, Meeker, Chandler, Prague and Little Axe.

“Our community is fortunate to have many individuals who share a commitment to service to others,” Laster observed. “We encourage the public to submit nominations for those who exemplify service above self and a vision to improve our community,” Laster said in a press release.

Nominations for the award will be accepted online through April 14, 2023 and may be submitted by the public for consideration of any person who has given significant service to Pottawatomie County and/ or the surrounding communities of Seminole, Meeker, Chandler, Prague and Little Axe.

Following a preliminary evaluation of nominees by the Foundation staff, the Avedis Foundation Mission Advocacy and Effectiveness Committee will recommend a final candidate among the top five nominees to the Foundation’s board of directors.

“Consideration will be given to those nominees who have demonstrated qualities consistent with those of the Foundation’s Core Values of compassion, humility, innovation, collaboration and stewardship,” explained Avedis board chair Mike Warwick. “Other criteria for consideration include the significance of the nominee’s service above and beyond their vocation or profession, the degree to which it benefits the community, and the length of service by the nominee,” Warwick continued.

The award, which includes a $5,000 discretionary grant to an organization that meets the Foundation’s selection criteria, will be presented May 30, 2023 during Health Week ’23.

Nomination forms and full details are accessible through April 14, 2023 on the Foundation’s website, avedisfoundation.org/nominate.