December 14, 2023, was a huge day for the Golden Apple Foundation of Rockford!
In the morning, we announced the 20 finalists for the 2024 Golden Apple Teacher award live on WTVO.
In the evening, we received the 2023 Excelsior Award in a surprise announcement at the Excalibur/Excelsior Award event at Prairie Street Brewhouse. The event was co-sponsored by the Rockford Register Star, The Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence and the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, after long being solely a Rockford Register Star tradition. The awards were back after a one-year hiatus and two years of not being awarded in person because of the pandemic.
From excaliburexcelsior.com, “Since 1971, the Excalibur Award has been given to an individual who exemplifies excellence in community service. Joined in 1979 by the Excelsior Award, which recognizes an organization of the same merit, these annual tributes to service above self have uplifted countless stories of not just greatness but goodness.” Hoo Haven and Rockford Promise, were very worthy fellow finalists! We were shocked and delighted when past recipient, Julie Thomas of the Rockford Symphony Orchestra, began the introduction of the winner and it became clear, it was us!
More than 540 people registered to attend the formerly invitation-only event. We were filled with pride and love to have so many of our Golden Apple “village” there supporting us. There may have been more, but we spotted at least: 2 grant recipients, 2 past Executive Directors, 2 (of 2) current staff, 14 Teacher Academy members, 6 board members, 1 Jan Jones Service Award recipient, 9 people who have volunteered for our organization and 4 who have donated to our organization! And probably many, many more who have supported our various fundraisers since 1997! We are grateful for your continued support as we continue our mission to inspire, celebrate and support excellence in education in our community.
Thank you to the teachers who contributed to our nomination and to the committee who selected us.
WE LOVE TEACHERS!
