The deadline to vote for Madison County’s hometown heroes is Friday.
Madison Parks and Recreation Authority and Support Hoover Ridge will once again host its Hometown Heroes Community Awards Gala next month. The black-tie optional event honors Madison residents, businesses and organizations who have given back to their community over the previous year. The event also raises funds for the ongoing Hoover Ridge Outdoor Recreation Center Project.
The project is currently being built, with the new playground expected to open this spring. Other plans include a splash pad, basketball, tennis and pickleball courts, a walking path, shade structures and accessible restrooms. The current hockey rink would also relocate to the park from its current location behind the American Legion Post on Thrift Road.
Approximately 40 individuals, businesses and organizations have been nominated in this year’s awards. Nominations were collected through early December. Categories include Educator of the Year; Coach of the Year; Business of the Year and Organization of the Year as well as the Youth Impact Award; Community Service Award; Personal or Corporate Philanthropy Award; Environmental Stewardship Award and Cultural Enrichment Award.
This year’s nominees include:
Educator of the Year – Ashley Pickeral, Erin Mitchell, Andrea Wilson, Kendall Fears, Rebecca Bader, Mark Arrington
Coach of the Year – Ender Oktayuren, Brian Daniel, Isiah Smith, Brandon Utz
Business of the Year – Blue Mountain Equine, Cake Krums, Madison Wood Preservers, Weaver Works, Mugs and Muffins
Organization of the Year – MCHS FFA, Madison Rose Park United Methodist Church, Brightwood Ruritan Club
Youth Impact Award – Desiree Foster, Ethan Stanley, Caleigh-Ruth Pierson, Tom Chew, Anthony Hill
Community Service Award – Moonie Frazier, Sarah Palm, Allison Jeffrey, Lori and Tim Duggins, Jenny Ramirez, Kathryn Burke, Temple Murray
Personal or Corporate Philanthropy Award – Cowan Roofing, Richard Jenkins, L&D Coates, Duct-Rite Mechanical
Environmental Stewardship Award – Rapidan River Master Gardeners, Old Rag Master Naturalists
Cultural Enrichment Award – Buddy S. Woodward, George James Community Center, Madison County African American Historical Association
Voting is currently underway. Votes are $2 each and can be made online at https://e.givesmart.com/events/MDg/i/_Vote/ through Friday, Jan. 23 at 11:59 p.m. Winners will be honored at the gala, Feb. 21, 7-10 p.m. at Renback Barn. The night will include a red carpet reception, award ceremony, live music and dancing and hor d’oeuvres and beverages. There will also be a silent auction featuring everything from vacations to recreation, jewelry and more. Bids can be made online at https://e.givesmart.com/events/MDg/i/_Auction/. As of Wednesday, 25 general admission tickets to the gala remain available. Tickets are $125. Full tables, consisting of eight tickets, and VIP tickets have sold out. Tickets are available at https://hometownheroes2026.eventbrite.com. All proceeds benefit the Hoover Ridge Outdoor Recreation Center Project.
