Central Ohio is home to thousands of special people - your neighbors, friends, and perfect strangers who go out of their way to help others.  They go above and beyond to make the community a better place in which to live. Most often, the efforts of these special people go unrewarded.  Now you have an opportunity to salute those unsung heroes by selecting them for a 2013 Jefferson Award. 
 

The national Jefferson Awards program was founded in 1972 by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Senator Robert Taft, Jr. of Ohio, to recognize individuals who do extraordinary things in their communities without expecting a reward.  Jefferson Award winners have made outstanding contributions to Central Ohio.  They deliver Meals on Wheels for those who can’t leave their homes.  They collect school supplies for children who can’t afford to buy the tools they need for school.  They raise money for children who have cancer.  They have truly changed lives. 

And they come in all sizes, shapes and ages.  The nine-year-old who raised thousands of dollars to fight pediatric cancer.  The foster mom who gives bikes to disadvantaged children.  The senior citizen who helps military veterans navigate their way through the medical care system.  No age requirements.  No educational requirements.  No socio-economic requirements. 

WBNS 10TV and Nationwide Insurance are proud to sponsor the 2013 Jefferson Awards program, which is designed to honor those who embody the true spirit of volunteerism - someone who doesn’t look for recognition, but deserves to be recognized. 

Of all the nominations submitted, 20 nominees will be invited to the local Jefferson Awards ceremony on April 4, 2013. Five winners will be announced.  Each of those winners will receive a medallion and a check for $500.  One of the five selected will attend the national Jefferson Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., where five national winners are selected.  In 2011, local winner Rachel Muha was selected as a national winner.

To nominate your super volunteer, go to www.10tv.com and click on the Jefferson Awards icon.  For more information, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .