Hoosier Heartland State Bank marked its 11th annual Shared Values Award dinner Saturday, awarding a record $75,000 to local nonprofit organizations during an event at Stone Creek Lodge.
The annual program recognizes nonprofits whose work reflects the bank’s core values of compassion, ownership, integrity and growth. This year’s event drew more than 900 nominations representing 80 organizations.
Before the Shared Values Awards were announced, employees honored colleagues through three categories: Mission, Vision and Values. Each recipient selected a nonprofit to receive a donation.
In the Mission category, Alyssa Mayes was awarded first place and chose the Ladoga Public Library to receive $7,500. Misty Browning was awarded second place and chose the Montgomery United Police Canine Association to receive $5,000. Kathleen Dugard was recognized as a finalist and chose Tri Kappa’s Summer Lunch Program to receive $2,500.
In the Vision category, Lisa Graham was awarded first place and chose the Walnut Township Community Organization to receive $7,500. Caryn Heisel was awarded second place and chose the Montgomery County Community Foundation Durham Foundation Community Child Care Pass Through Fund to receive $5,000. Heather Hites was recognized as the third finalist and chose the Montgomery County Youth Service Bureau Nourish Program to receive $2,500.
In the Values category, Faye Cooksey was awarded first place and chose the New Ross Conservation Club to receive $7,500. Sadi Simpson was awarded second place and chose the Animal Welfare League of Montgomery County to receive $5,000. Sheri Thompson was the third finalist and chose Volunteers of Mental Health for Montgomery County to receive $2,500.
The first place Shared Values Award went to Grace and Mercy Community Food Pantry, which received $12,500. Founded in 1979 by Andrea Miller, the pantry began with Miller providing food from her own kitchen. In 2025, the organization distributed more than 325,000 pounds of food and served more than 22,000 people.
“I’m grateful, I’ll tell you the truth,” Miller said. “I didn’t start this to show off. I started to give somebody something that I had, that they didn’t have.”
Second place went to Meals on Wheels through the Montgomery County Free Clinic, which received $10,000. The program has operated for more than 55 years, delivering meals to seniors and homebound residents. In 2025, it provided 11,850 meals to 105 clients.
Third place was awarded to FISH Food Pantry, which received $7,500. The organization has served Montgomery County since 1969 and has expanded to include clothing and linen. In 2025, the pantry reported a 50% increase in traffic, with additional growth in its clothing and linen services.
HHSB said the Shared Values Awards continue to highlight the impact of community organizations and the residents who support them.
