Since 1985, the Heart of Illinois United Way has recognized a volunteer who spends countless hours working without fanfare to help others. The annual Hoot Gibson award is presented in memory of Horace J. “Hoot” Gibson, who pursued his goals in a quiet, determined manner, caring little if others knew of his accomplishments.
Hoot Gibson Award Honorees
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