Dr. Boling is undeniably committed to giving the gift of sight to our community. His Kindness to Prevent Blindness initiative allows needy community members to receive vouchers for free service. By partnering with many local organizations, it is anticipated that Boling’s Kindness to Prevent Blindness program will provide free exams and prescription glasses to over 4,000 students this year, at no cost. Boling also supports organizations such as Coaches vs. Cancer, the American Heart Association, International Gift of Sight, Indiana University’s Gene B. Glick Eye Institute Resident Training Program, Five Star Life, Boy Scouts of America, Riverview Adult Daycare and Relay for Life.

Dr. Hoffert is a true community leader, dedicated to providing quality education and improving the lives and futures of local students. He has been instrumental in developing elementary focused programs such as ‘Read United,’ a program that is dedicated to improving the reading skills and creating a love of reading for children, and ‘Kindergarten Countdown,’ a program designed to prepare underprivileged children for school success. Dr. Hoffert provides quality mentorship and educational support to many local programs and organizations that provide structure, teach discipline, respect, culture and relationship building that will help students be successful in the classroom and throughout their lives.

Linda Lewandowski is a true steward of supporting children and providing them with the tools they need to succeed. Six years ago, she founded Kid’s Closet Outreach, a ministry on behalf of the North Judson United Methodist Church. Kid’s Closet supplies underserved children in Starke County with gently worn clothing, hygiene products, school supplies, beds and bedding. This year alone, they helped supply over 600 local children with their pack-a-backpack program.

Through Neil’s involvement with youth sports organizations such as Chet Waggoner Little League, Upward Basketball/River City Basketball, he imparts key fundamentals and life skills for participants on and off the playing field. Neil also devotes time to board membership of the Indiana Community Credit Corporation. This organization helps businesses that could not otherwise qualify for traditional bank loans, find alternative financing that works for them. He also serves the Southwest Michigan Growth Alliance Board, which promotes business and job growth in the southwest Michigan community.

For over 40 years, Lori has been devoted to serving Opportunity Enterprises, an organization that works to maximize self-sufficiency and to enrich the quality of life for individuals with disabilities in the Valparaiso area. She has served in various capacities and held nearly every office on the board, helping people of all abilities to live, learn and grow to their fullest potential. Lori also serves the local Kiwanis, and heads fundraising efforts that support local scholarships and other children’s programs in the Valparaiso area.

Joe Noffsinger is committed to improving the lives of children and community members across the Michiana area. As a board member for the River Park Business Association, he works diligently to help improve the neighborhood and help businesses there to grow and thrive. He also serves worthy organizations such as LaSalle Council Boy Scouts of America, United Way, Junior Achievement, Clay Granger Lions Club and the Potawatomi Zoological Society.

Trish is dedicated to the betterment of children’s education and the Valparaiso community. For the past 11 years, Trish has been heavily involved with the Valparaiso Schools Foundation, leading various fundraisers that help to provide scholarships for seniors. She has also been involved with the Tri Kappa chapter for over 35 years, supports youth struggling with drug issues through her involvement in the Probate Court Drug Court and Juvenile Services Foundation, helps with family support programs and public safety through her involvement in church programs and the redevelopment commission.

David’s passion touches many organizations across southwest Michigan. He currently serves as the Treasurer for the Cornerstone Alliance in Benton Harbor and plays a leading role in economic development projects, such as the Harbor Shores Development. David serves as Board President for the Lake Michigan College Foundation, is a member of the Lions Club, and volunteers his time for strategy development with Spectrum Health Lakeland. David is also committed to serving actively with his church, coaching youth sports and mentoring Benton Harbor area students.

Chris Straw is the Founder of ‘Launch Dekalb County,’ a program in northeast Indiana that encourages local high school students to pursue their entrepreneurial spirit. ‘Launch Dekalb County’ provides scholarships that encourage high school talent to stay in the area with their business endeavors, helping to promote economic growth in northeast Indiana. He has also transformed the Dekalb Show Choir Invitational to become the largest show choir competition in the Midwest. The invitational generates funds for the Dekalb Show Choir program. Chris’s involvement extends to many other causes in the community, including coaching little league and serving on scholarship boards.

Cecile is truly dedicated to helping businesses and families in the Fort Wayne community. For eight years she has served YWCA of Northeast Indiana in various capacities. She also serves on the board of the Brightpoint Development Fund, advising on various lending concerns.

She also serves on the finance committee for Super Shot, an organization focused on promoting vaccinations and providing access to immunization community-wide, serves on the membership committee for the Builders and Contractors Association and is an active member of the women’s business and philanthropic group, WOWnet, helping to bring professional development and networking programs to the Fort Wayne area.

Serving in capacities such as Board Member, Foundation Board Chair and Agency Board Chair, Dr. Yost has been instrumental in fundraising, funds management, strategic planning, and ensuring the overall success of the local Hospice agency. Dr. Yost has also spent several years serving on the Board of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, where he serves as Vice Chair of the Development Committee. Dr. Yost has also established endowments and scholarships for many local colleges and universities including: Trine, Taylor, Ancilla, Huntington, Manchester, St. Francis and Purdue University Fort Wayne.