The Johnson County Library Foundation is seeking public nominations for the 2010 Pinnacle Awards. The Pinnacle Award was launched in 2002 by the Johnson County Library Foundation to recognize excellence in the arts. The award is presented annually to a significant artist or arts supporter whose work has influenced the cultural well-being of the community. Beginning in 2008, the Foundation expanded the Pinnacle Award to include three additional categories, which highlight a program or special area of emphasis at the Johnson County Library. The additional awards will recognize Excellence in: Advocacy and Public Engagement; Business and Entrepreneurship; and Literacy and Education. Honorees must demonstrate excellence in their professional field or philanthropic pursuits.
Nominations may be submitted by the public via the Foundation’s Web site: www.jocolibraryfoundation.org/pinnacleawards. Deadline for nominations is Friday, June 18, 2010. Foundation staff is available to assist nominators in completing the online nomination form. For assistance, please call us at (913) 495-7579.
Category descriptions for the 2010 Pinnacle Awards are:
Excellence in the Arts
Presented to an individual whose work as either a visual or performance artist or writer has had a significant influence on the cultural well-being of our community. Excellence in Advocacy and Public Engagement Presented to a recognized leader who has made substantial philanthropic or public contributions to our community's improvement and development.
Excellence in Business and Entrepreneurship
Presented to a business person who has demonstrated innovation, an exceptional entrepreneurial talent and spirit, and contributed dynamic growth and economic well-being to our community.
Excellence in Literacy and Education
Presented to an individual who has demonstrated a sustained commitment, either professionally or as a volunteer, to serving the causes of literacy or life-long learning in our community.
Pinnacle Award winners will be honored at the 2010 Pinnacle Award Recognition Dinner on Thursday, Oct. 28, 2010; 7 p.m., at the Regnier Center, Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, Kan. Winners will be presented with a commemorative item, and have the opportunity to make brief remarks about their passions and successes. The dinner will be preceded by a reception beginning at 6 p.m. For information on Pinnacle event tickets and sponsorships, contact us at (913) 495-7579 or via e-mail.
Past Pinnacle Award Honorees are: Doug Tally, Shawnee Mission School District; Myra J. Christopher, Center for Practical Bioethics; Phillip Spencer, Codero; Gaylon Umbarger, Literacy Kansas City; David Hughes, Jr., founder of the Charlotte Street Foundation; John Burgess, founder and CEO of Interactive Media Holdings, LLC; Vivien L. Jennings, founder and president of Rainy Day Books, Inc., Dr. Robert W. Fry, active volunteer for the YMCA of Greater Kansas City and other local, national and international charitable efforts, Joe McGuff, sportswriter and former editor of the Kansas City Star; James Hamil, watercolor artist; and Charles W. Gusewelle, author and Kansas City Star columnist, Gary R. Holcombe, actor and founding member of the KC Actors Theater, Cynthia Levin, Producing Artistic Director of the Unicorn Theatre and Leon Brady, Kansas City Youth Jazz.
All nominations will be considered by the Pinnacle Award committee, appointed by the Johnson County Library Foundation.
For further information contact the Johnson County Library Foundation at (913) 495-7579 or via e-mail.
