Good as Gold Springfield Volunteer Awards

Good as Gold Springfield Volunteer Awards The Good as Gold Ceremony was established in 2009 to recognize local volunteers, nonprofit organizations, and businesses.

The ceremony is a joint effort between the UIS Volunteer, Junior League of Springfield, and United Way of Central IL.

Chandana Nandi was nominated by the Asian Indian Women's Organization, Springfield for a Heart of Gold Award.  Chandana’...
06/18/2026

Chandana Nandi was nominated by the Asian Indian Women's Organization, Springfield for a Heart of Gold Award. Chandana’s public health background has shaped her volunteer work addressing poverty, access to resources, and social support. As AIWO President, Chandana led fundraising events benefiting Girls on the Run of Central Illinois and Wooden It Be Lovely. She regularly volunteers with Girls on the Run, Share the Spirit Foundation, and the Blind Foundation for India. Chandana also serves on the Illinois Innocence Project’s planning committee and provides nutrition counseling to patients referred by Springfield Clinic.

Ali McCue was nominated by Girls on the Run of Central Illinois. or the Heart of Gold Award.  Ali, a 2nd grade teacher a...
06/17/2026

Ali McCue was nominated by Girls on the Run of Central Illinois. or the Heart of Gold Award. Ali, a 2nd grade teacher at Glenwood Elementary, has coached Girls on the Run for over ten years. She values the program's mission and enjoys working with young students. Ali also serves as site liaison, recruiting volunteers so every interested 3rd and 4th grader can participate. Many of her recruits return each season, reflecting the positive atmosphere she fosters.

Heart of Gold Award recipient, Penny McCarty was nominated by United Way of Central Illinois where she serves as Board C...
06/16/2026

Heart of Gold Award recipient, Penny McCarty was nominated by United Way of Central Illinois where she serves as Board Chair. Penny brings over 20 years of involvement, offering leadership as part of the Executive and Human Resources Committees. Her expertise in HR informs internal practices and keeps the United Way updated on employment laws. Penny actively promotes United Way's mission, advocates for ALICE families, and leads with genuine dedication, advancing United Way’s work through multiple events and initiatives.

Jerry and Karen Hirstein were nominated by Springfield Memorial Hospital for the Heart of Gold Award. They currently ser...
06/15/2026

Jerry and Karen Hirstein were nominated by Springfield Memorial Hospital for the Heart of Gold Award. They currently serve together in the es**rt room, where they help transport patients, families, and visitors with warmth and care. Known for their kindness, Jerry is recognized for his welcoming smile and Karen for her famous carrot cake. Together, they go the extra mile by ensuring fellow volunteers can participate, making the hospital experience more comfortable for everyone.

Nominated by the Animal Protective League, Heart of Gold Award recipient, Lexi Hezlep is dedicated to the Homeward Helpe...
06/12/2026

Nominated by the Animal Protective League, Heart of Gold Award recipient, Lexi Hezlep is dedicated to the Homeward Helper program, providing extended care for challenging dogs. She played a key role in creating the Kennel Enrichment Booklet, ensuring enrichment standards for staff and volunteers. Lexi also developed flyers and trading cards to increase adoptable dogs' visibility outside the shelter and actively promotes them via social media. Her passion, creativity, and hard work have made a lasting difference for the APL’s programs.

Heart of Gold Award recipient, Shauna Hayes  was nominated by United Way of Central Illinois. Shauna volunteers at Unite...
06/11/2026

Heart of Gold Award recipient, Shauna Hayes was nominated by United Way of Central Illinois. Shauna volunteers at United Way Days of Action, leads fundraising campaigns at BUNN, organizes volunteer activities, and supports programs like The Salvation Army Angel Tree Christmas, ensuring local children receive gifts. Shauna actively serves on the United Way Vision Council, reviewing grants and contributing to funding decisions, while also helping at events like trivia night and decorating the United Way office. Her commitment and compassion continue to positively impact those served by United Way

Joy Hayes, who was nominated by Girls on the Run of Central Illinois for a Heart of Gold Volunteer Award. Joy has served...
06/10/2026

Joy Hayes, who was nominated by Girls on the Run of Central Illinois for a Heart of Gold Volunteer Award. Joy has served on the Light the Way committee since 2013, supporting the annual fundraiser that benefits local girls in the program. She consistently attends, secures silent auction donations, organizes sponsorships, and spreads awareness about Girls on the Run. Joy has also managed the balloon pop raffle each year, often handling orders and even covering costs herself.

Heart of Gold Volunteer award recipient, Amy Green was nominated by the American Association of University Women (AAUW)....
06/09/2026

Heart of Gold Volunteer award recipient, Amy Green was nominated by the American Association of University Women (AAUW). Amy has been a dedicated leader and volunteer with the Springfield AAUW since 2006, serving as Branch President, Co-President, and chairing key fundraising projects for scholarships. Her commitment includes leading major events like Garage Sales, Book Sales, Food Drives, and the Fall Coffee Silent Auction, often taking on demanding roles to ensure their success. Amy’s reliability and positive attitude have helped foster a welcoming, engaged community, directly supporting scholarship fundraising and member retention. Her ongoing initiative and warm presence have made a meaningful impact on AAUW!

Christie Goleman was nominated by Kings Daughters Organization for the Heart of Gold Award. Through her work as a Licens...
06/08/2026

Christie Goleman was nominated by Kings Daughters Organization for the Heart of Gold Award. Through her work as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Christie has worked with the homeless, at-risk, medically frail, mentally ill, and geriatric populations. She volunteers locally with her therapy dog Nash, supporting seniors facing depression, anxiety, grief, and loneliness. Christie actively participates in various professional and community organizations and programs, including Senior Services of Central Illinois, Meals on Wheels, and Senior Olympics. Her commitment to advocating for vulnerable populations and enhancing quality of life for the elderly makes her an important member of the Central Illinois community.

Jeff and MaryAnn Gebauer were nominated together by the Capital Chapter of Fishing Has No Boundaries for the Heart of Go...
06/05/2026

Jeff and MaryAnn Gebauer were nominated together by the Capital Chapter of Fishing Has No Boundaries for the Heart of Gold Award. Fishing Has No Boundaries is a national nonprofit, aiming to provide recreational fishing for anglers with disabilities of all ages and backgrounds. In 2016, Jeff and MaryAnn established the Central Illinois chapter, organizing an annual full-day fishing event each September. The event involves meticulous planning, from accommodating 65 participants—including meals and accessibility—to prepping equipment and recruiting nearly 220 volunteers. Over the past decade, their dedication has made a lasting impact in our area.

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UIS Student Union
Springfield, IL
62703

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