Brad Hoopes: Brad Hoopes has honored Northern Colorado Veterans for many years through several nonprofit organizations such as Honor Flight, Pam Vets, and Veterans Plaza. He has video recorded veterans and turn those videos into DVDs.  Brad arranged for vets to go to a Rockies Baseball game and giving them special recognition. He started a free magazine called “Remember and Honor” dedicated to the belief that veterans deserve to have their stories permanently recorded. Brad is one of the most humble and giving individuals.

Franklin Taggart: Franklin Taggart, is a consultant at the Loveland SBDC. He meets with businesses and his generosity immediately struck us. He takes details notes and really listens.  Franklin has an incredible ability to help people see their deeper and wider impact.  He has an “Inbox Encouragement” and his weekly email with heartfelt and though provoking stories.  He is a creative genius and the most giving, genuine person with his business and creative advice. He gives so much to the community through his own businesses, his podcast, his hours at the SBDC and teaching throughout the area.

Jason Brabson: Jason Brabson, is a man who constantly gives to his community in immeasurable ways.  His company is Heart & Soul Paratransit and this big-hearted company arranges transportation for kidney dialysis patients who need a ride, older folks going to the doctor or hospital.  Many times he and his staff take the extra time to walk their clients to their doors and make sure they are okay inside their homes before they take off to another van run. It’s the compassion needed in our society and Jason ensures his customers are all treated with respect and care during their time with him or his employees.  Jason serves on the Senior Board of Fort Collins and volunteers on the Transportation Board. Jason also volunteers with Food Bank, SAVA, Heart and Horses, Mobility Coalition, Senior Transportation Coalition. He sets the example for his staff and for everyone he meets to strive to do what is right for our aging population.    

Carrie Thompson: Carrie Thompson and her family’s business, Business Equipment Sales & Service, has had an amazing impact on the community since 1976.  She has volunteered and coordinated volunteers for countless events through the years.  Through her position as volunteer coordinator at Hearts and Horses over a period of seven years she grew the volunteer base from 200 to 1,500 volunteers per year.  She has also helped or volunteered with 137 Homeless Connection, Loveland Youth Gardeners, Loveland House Assisted Living, Realities for Children, and mentoring youth.  In addition, BES is actively involved in donations for nonprofits such as services and printers.  This year she coordinated an effort to gift a free video to three nonprofits which is a $10,000 donation value.   

Kristin Watts: Kristin Watts started a nonprofit called Project 31:25 three years ago after her personal experience with domestic violence. She found a way to give back to the community.  Kristin has single-handedly created a safety net of service oriented companies and individuals to help victims of domestic violence chart a way out.   To date she has supported 150 families with 87% pf them living abuse free, self-sustaining lives.

Mary Elizabeth Lenahan: Mary Elizabeth Lenahan formed over 30 years ago Dance Express.  This was started to express the love of a sister and honoring the spirit of her special-needs sibling.  Mary Elizabeth has enriched the lives of hundreds of young adults with or without disabilities through showing them their unique beauty through dance.  At a personal level, they sometimes for the first time, find a safe space to gain positive self-esteem, find a positive outlet for self-expression and the joy of being proud of their accomplishments.