Wednesday, May 3, 2017

2017 Les Fox Hoosier Lifetime Award


The winner of the 1st Annual Les Fox Hoosier Lifetime Award must be an outstanding Hoosier, 60 years or older, who has demonstrated a lifetime of service to his or her community.  The first winner of the Les Fox Hoosier Lifetime Award began her lifetime of service 81 years ago!!   That’s right . . . 81 years ago

At the annual Age of Excellence luncheon of REAL Services, Ms. Dorothy Weikamp was named the winner of the Les Fox Hoosier Lifetime Award.  Dorothy (Dot) continues to be an active community leader at the age of 103 years old!  Her generosity of spirit is far reaching as she has truly inspired thousands in our community.  She has given so many people hope, on their journey in this life.  She has been key in cultivating a climate of giving and caring. 


Starting with absolutely nothing, this nominee co-partnered with her late husband to establish a local bank early in their marriage.  They determined in their hearts that the proceeds from the business would be used to financially support the community they so loved. 

Their purpose was bigger than themselves . . . an education, . . . a roof over someone’s head, . . . a second, third or fourth chance in life, . . . that’s what this award winner did for untold thousands of people.  There have been so many people throughout the years who felt down and out but this woman has changed the course of their lives. 

She and her late husband, the love of her life, forged a legacy of giving back to the community.  Together they generously supported, and she continues to support, almost every sector in our community;  individuals, schools, universities, hospitals, the arts and civic causes, and many more!
The “giving system” established by our award winner and her husband, will serve the citizens of this community for decades and possibly centuries to come.   With the needs of people in their hearts, they have built buildings, schools, programs, scholarships and medical centers to serve our community today…  and tomorrow. 

Dot truly exemplifies the meaning of making our community a better place – for everyone.  She believes life is a gift and should be enjoyed by all. 

Her generosity is a demonstration of her strong faith that permeates everything she does.  Whenever she believed in something, she would work her fingers to the bone to get it done.  She lives to give herself to others because “it’s the right thing to do”.   She was led by an inner desire to meet the needs of the community.  No matter her personal challenges, she has kept joy and laughter in her own life as she serves her fellow citizens. 

Our community is a much better place to live because of this amazing woman and her husband.  She has given her time, her heart and her resources – and encouraged others to do the same.   She is a wonderful example of a life of service!

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