Nominations sought for the 2021 Jenco Awards
Father Lawrence Martin Jenco is a Catholic priest who was kidnapped in Beirut, Lebanon while serving as director of Catholic Relief Services.
To honor people of all ages who work in the service of others in Appalachian Ohio, the Jenco Foundation Fund is seeking nominations for the 2021 Jenco Awards.
These cash awards are designed to recognize the service of Appalachian Ohioans — from those who have a lifetime of service experience to those whose service began early in life.
Nominations are invited from the public and must be postmarked or emailed by Monday, June 14. Nomination forms and additional information about the Jenco Awards are available at www.AppalachianOhio.org/Jenco.
Founded in 2001 by journalist Terry Anderson, the Jenco Foundation honors Father Lawrence Martin Jenco. A Catholic priest who was kidnapped in Beirut, Lebanon while serving as director of Catholic Relief Services, Jenco was an inspiration to many including fellow captive Anderson.
The Jenco Foundation joined the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio in 2011 as an endowment to ensure it can forever honor Jenco’s legacy by recognizing unsung heroes throughout Appalachian Ohio.
“The Jenco Awards exist to recognize individuals who go above and beyond normal volunteer effort and contribute extraordinary service to their community,” said Melody Sands, a member of the Jenco Foundation Fund committee. “Our goal is to shine a light on individuals with awards to draw attention to the incredible work these often-uncelebrated leaders are doing throughout our region.”
The Jenco Award recognizes individuals of all ages for their service contributions. Their service demonstrates direct, caring action that contributes to the quality of life of individuals living in Appalachian Ohio. Their commitment to others is not simply a part of their daily jobs or for a school project; it is a passion.
To learn more and watch videos showcasing the stories of past Jenco Award recipients, visit the Jenco Foundation Fund’s website at www.AppalachianOhio.org/Jenco.
Gifts to the Jenco Foundation Fund are tax-deductible and can be made in a number of ways including cash, gifts in wills and life insurance. To make your donation, designate the Jenco Foundation Fund and mail to the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, P.O. Box 456, Nelsonville, OH 45764. Donations also can be made online by visiting the online giving page and selecting the Jenco Foundation Fund when making a donation. Gifts may be made in honor or in memory of someone including past Jenco awardees and other unsung heroes in the region.
For every dollar given, 50 cents will be matched by FAO. The maximum match is $5,000 per individual donor.
Nominations are encouraged across areas essential to quality of life including arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services.
For more information on the Jenco Foundation Fund, the Jenco Award and how to nominate someone, visit www.AppalachianOhio.org/Jenco or call 740-753-1111.