Celebrating Lake County’s Outstanding Community Leaders

Legacy Foundation’s Annual Heart of Lake County Awards!

On August 20th, Legacy Foundation held its 32nd Annual Celebration at the Dean and Barbara White Community Center. Over 250 Northwest Indiana residents, nonprofits, and community leaders gathered to celebrate 32 years as the Heart of Lake County. Legacy Foundation thanks everyone who was in attendance, along with Foundation partners and supporters who were unable to attend. We look forward to future collaborations!

Click Here to Learn More & View Photos From the Celebration!

During the 2024 Annual Celebration, Legacy Foundation acknowledged the Heart of Lake County Award recipients, community leaders who use their time and talents to positively impact Lake County.

 

2024 Heart of Lake County Award Recipients

Click the Photos Below to Hear Each of their Stories!

Tory Prasco

Gold Key Society: Tory Prasco was presented with the Gold Key Award. Tory is a Partner with Burke Costanza & Carberry, LLP where he helps clients fulfill their philanthropic goals by incorporating philanthropy into estate planning. Tory is a long-time volunteer at Legacy Foundation, serving as past board chair, board member, and on various committees over the last 25 years.

 

Ken J. Schoon

Excellence in Nonprofit Board Leadership Award: Ken Schoon received the Excellence in Nonprofit Board Leadership Award. Ken is a founding board member at Dunes Learning Center where his passion for and knowledge of local history and geology has helped shape the organization into the center it is today.

Elena De Jesus

Community Spirit Award: The Community Spirit Award was presented to Elena De Jesus. Elena has been a registered nurse for almost 50 years and is currently a Nurse Case Manager at Methodist Hospital. She is an active member of the Philippine Nurses Association of Northwest Indiana and Philippine Professionals Association, where she has previously served as the president of both organizations. Elena is a strong advocate for public health and promotes preventative care within the community.

Tolbert & Tolbert LLC

Corporate Philanthropy Award: The Corporate Philanthropy Award was presented to Tolbert & Tolbert, LLC. Since opening their firm in downtown Gary, Partners Michael and Shelice Tolbert have been committed to giving back. The firm prioritizes supporting community initiatives and being active members of the community. Michael and Shelice volunteer regularly, serve as mentors, and provide pro-bono service events for residents to receive free law advice.

 

2023 Heart of Lake County Award Recipients

Verne P. Seehausen was presented with the Gold Key Award, recognizing his nearly 30-year involvement with Legacy Foundation in the promotion of philanthropy across Lake County.

The Excellence in Nonprofit Board Leadership Award was presented to Calvin Bellamy, for his decades of service to Northwest Indiana nonprofit boards.

Dr. Vernon G. Smith was awarded the Community Spirit Award to honor his outstanding community contributions that have enhanced, improved, and positively affected the overall quality of life in Lake County.