Since 1985, the Heart of Illinois United Way has recognized a volunteer who works countless hours to help others without fanfare. Our annual Hoot Gibson Award is presented in memory of Horace J. “Hoot” Gibson, Jr., who pursued his goals quietly and determinedly, caring little if others knew of his accomplishments. In addition to serving on our health committee and as board secretary, Hoot’s hard work helped the Heart of Illinois United Way transition our allocation process to address prioritized needs. His leadership is the basis of how we fund vital needs today.
Hoot Gibson Award Honorees
2026 — Nathan P. Thomas
2025 — Anne M. Bowman
2024 — Sean and Crystal Garrett
2023 — Dr. Jon Neidy
2022 — Steve Montez
2021 — Heather Ford
2020 — Mark Miskell
2019 — Karen Stecher
2018 — Mike Bass
2017 — Sally Snyder
2016 — Mike Everett
2015 — Alan Kenworthy
2014 — Cliff Laine
2013 — Rick Dokey
2012 — Jan Kepple
2011 — Pam Tomka
2010 — Deb Bowers
2009 — Ron Hale
2008 — Brooke Spellman
2007 — Gerd Prewett
2006 — Steve Applegate
2005 — Paul Fager
2004 — Hazel Thomas and Monica Vest-Wheeler
2003 — Barbara Duryea
2002 — Kate Van Beek
2001 — Bob Hultgren
2000 — Rick Gentry
1999 — Susan Dawson-Tibbits and Steve Fairbanks
1998 — Gil Nolde
1997 — Jean Parthum
1996 — Gary Underwood
1995 — Gene Moore and Dorothy Cornish
1994 — Jeff & Cathi Hawkinson
1993 — Mary Dill
1992 — Michael McLinden
1991 — Maryann Morrison
1990 — Jon Spacht
1989 — Gail Riter
1988 — Mark Polzin
1987 — Cheryl Riddell
1986 — Judy Hoerr, Fred Prescott
1985 — Duane Heward
