James “Eddie” Monfort was selected as the winner of the 2023 Jefferson Award for the Wheelhouse Project, Celebrate Recovery, and Youth Sports Programs in the community.
Richard Parrish | The Lima News
LIMA — Jefferson Award recipient James ‘Eddie’ Monfort was selected as the winner who will attend the National Jefferson Awards dinner in New York City. Monfort, along with nine other volunteers, were awarded for their hard work, dedication and service. The annual award ceremony was held at the City Club where community members gathered to celebrate the honorees Tuesday evening.
Monfort began to shed tears once he realized he was chosen. He weighed in on the award.
“I am truly humbled,” said Monfort. “Thank you all who nominated me. It is not often that I am speechless. The good Lord has really blessed me.”
Monfort volunteers his time by working at Celebrate Recovery and giving to the local roller hockey team. Monfort said if anyone ever gets a chance to visit, he or she should spend time in the prison.
• Joyce Buss was awarded for volunteering at Heartbeat of Lima.
• Kyleigh Engle was awarded for beginning a Students Against Human Trafficking Club at Wapakoneta High School.
• Isabella Etzkorn was awarded for launching ‘Bella’s Buddies’ online.
• Luann Everett was awarded for honoring veterans and ‘shut-ins’ by sending cards. Everett also made thousands of masks throughout the pandemic.
• Deb Helser was awarded for caring for stray animals and providing education to community members.
• Charlotte Howbert was awarded for donating her time to care for foster children while their foster parents receive training.
• Michael Ritchie was awarded for his work at the Schoonover Observatory with the Lima Astronomical Society.
• James Slough was awarded for volunteering at Big Brothers, SAFY and Children’s Mentoring Connection.
• Aaron David Spar was awarded for beautifying an Ada Memorial Park flag pole with solar lights and his work in the Boy Scouts.
Each award winner was nominated by community members who noticed the difference they made. Editor of The Lima News David Trinko thanked Alberta Lee for her annual sponsorship of the awards.
The winners shared one common thread of giving back with no expectations of anything in return and for that they were honored.
Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.
