Bloomington, Indiana – The City of Bloomington is set to celebrate its vibrant community of volunteers during the highly anticipated Be More Awards Ceremony, taking place on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. This annual event, presented by the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network, recognizes individuals and groups who have made a significant and lasting impact on the local community and beyond.
The Be More Awards ceremony is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the countless volunteers who selflessly contribute their time, energy, and skills to making Bloomington and Monroe County a better place. The event is open to the public and free of charge, welcoming everyone who wants to join in honoring the dedication and hard work of these exceptional individuals. No tickets are required, and all are invited to attend as the city celebrates its remarkable volunteers.
A total of eight awards will be presented during the evening, each designed to recognize a specific aspect of volunteerism. These categories highlight the diversity of efforts that go into building a stronger, more inclusive community. The recipients of the awards will include individuals and groups from various walks of life, each contributing to different causes and initiatives throughout the year.
One of the prestigious awards is the Be More Bloomington Award, which will be presented to an individual or group that has shown excellence in addressing some of the most pressing issues of 2024, such as housing, homelessness, immigration, and food insecurity. This award honors those who have made substantial strides in improving the lives of individuals facing these challenges, helping to create a more just and equitable community.
The Be More Creative Award recognizes outstanding volunteer work within the arts community. This category celebrates individuals or groups who have used their talents to enhance the cultural landscape of Bloomington, offering creative opportunities and enriching the lives of residents through artistic engagement.
Another highly anticipated category is the Be More Dedicated Award, which will honor an individual or couple over the age of 60 who have shown a lifetime of service. This award recognizes the dedication of those whose contributions have had a lasting impact over many years, often laying the foundation for future generations of volunteers.
For those under the age of 25, the Be More Energized Award will recognize an individual or group for their enthusiastic and impactful volunteer efforts. This award celebrates the energy and drive that younger volunteers bring to their communities, encouraging the next generation of leaders to continue their work for positive change.
In addition, the Be More Engaged Award will highlight an individual or group employed at a business or organization who has gone above and beyond to engage in volunteer activities on behalf of their employer. This award acknowledges the importance of corporate social responsibility and the role businesses play in fostering community engagement.
The Be More Impactful Award will honor the volunteer or volunteer group of the year, recognizing those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to their causes. This award celebrates the volunteers whose efforts have made the most significant and lasting difference within the community.
For those who have consistently volunteered with at least three non-profit organizations for over a year, the Be More Involved Award will be presented. The recipient of this award will choose which non-profit organization will receive the associated cash award, further supporting the causes they are passionate about.
Finally, the Be More Phenomenal Award will recognize outstanding leadership through board, commission, or committee involvement. This award celebrates those who have shown exemplary leadership, guiding important initiatives and helping shape the future of the community through their work on various governing bodies.
The Be More Awards Ceremony offers a special opportunity to recognize the tireless work of volunteers who make Bloomington a thriving and compassionate community. As Mayor John Hamilton said, “Volunteers are the heart of any thriving community, and the Be More Awards offer a chance for us to say ‘thank you’ for all they do to make our city a better place.”
The Be More Awards Ceremony will undoubtedly be a heartwarming evening that not only honors those who give so much of themselves but also inspires others to get involved and make a difference in their own way. It’s a celebration of the power of volunteerism and a reminder of the profound impact that each individual can have on creating positive change.
