There is no shortage of good Samaritans in Mid-Missouri.
In times of need, these people step up and try to help whoever they can. The community nominated 11 local people who fit that description, and now it's time to vote on who is Mid-Missouri's ultimate good Samaritan.
The News Tribune and Redemption Inside the Walls partnered to honor five people with the Fisher Family Good Samaritan Award. The community will select who they think is most deserving of the award, and the News Tribune will select the other four individuals.
You can vote at newstribune.com/good-samaritan-award. Voting is open until 11:59 p.m. Friday.
The five recipients will receive their awards at the Aug. 28 Redemption Inside the Walls concert and be featured in the News Tribune.
Even though only five nominees will receive this year's award, the News Tribune would like to congratulate all 11 nominees for their service and dedication to Mid-Missouri.
The News Tribune is also raffling off tickets to the Aug. 28 Redemption Inside the Walls concert. To enter the drawing, simply vote for who you think deserves the good Samaritan award and opt-in for the News Tribune's GoMidMO newsletter. The News Tribune will select several ticket winners by 1 p.m. Aug. 23. Each winner will receive two tickets to the concert.
THE NOMINEES
David Zumbehl is a veteran who served in the Vietnam War and Desert Storm, and donates his time to Mid-Missouri charities, including serving with the honor guard, as well as his church, according to his nomination. Zumbehl gives regularly to the Samaritan Center and recently worked to get a section of U.S. 54 near Brazito named in honor of a fallen Mid-Missouri soldier.
Alicia Edwards is executive director of the local nonprofit Building Community Bridges, where she works to ensure programs are developed and implemented that will truly serve those in need, including a free lunch program for children and a food pantry, according to her nomination. Edwards works to support the local community and those in it.
Josh Varner is the social worker for the Fulton 58 Public School District who also speaks across the nation to schools, police and businesses on how to become "trauma informed," according to his nomination. His Christian faith has called him to help others in any way he can without a need for recognition.
Chris Jarboe heads Operation Bugle Boy, which seeks to honor and support troops, veterans and first responders. Each year, Jarboe organizes hundreds of free meals and gift bags, as well as countless events to highlight those who serve the community, state and nation, according to his nomination.
Connie Cashion operates From His House to Your House Free Store in Fulton, where everything is free and the store is run by volunteers and funded by donors, according to her nomination. After seeing a need in the community, Cashion used to collect donations and drive around the Mid-Missouri area before setting up her permanent location in Fulton.
Paula B. Backues is a mother of a child with Down Syndrome who quickly jumped in to help the Special Learning Center and the Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City, according to her nomination. Backues helped SLC set up social media accounts and created fundraising opportunities, going on to become a resource for area parents of children with developmental disabilities.
Liz Johnson is a paraprofessional at the Special Learning Center, who became a staff member after years of being involved as a parent and volunteer, according to her nomination. She now oversees the Cadet Program for the Lake Ozark Composite Squadron where she makes sure children learn how to be efficient, hard-working, dedicated and prepared for the future as an adult who cares for others.
Lynn Marty is a nurse practitioner, hospice nurse and volunteer at the Pregnancy Help Center, according to her nomination. Marty sends kind, inspiring notes to people and is always doing things for others, while seeking no attention for her efforts.
Bill Graham is a volunteer at the railroad station in Jefferson City who often gives rides to passengers when they have no other transportation upon arrival, even going to Lake of the Ozarks and other nearby areas, according to his nomination. He is often helping others, from providing financial assistance to a high school student to helping a stranded traveler get safe lodging and transportation.
The Rev. James Jackson helped pioneer the House of Prayer Family Church in 1995 and was a founding member of the board of directors for the Pregnancy Help Center of Central Missouri, according to his nomination. A veteran and former chaplain for the Missouri House of Representatives, Jackson is the first to recognize others and the last to seek recognition for himself.
Jeff Brondel is always there to lend a helping hand, especially when there is no recognition or praise for the work, according to his nomination. Brondel often volunteered for the St. Martins Knights of Columbus and Special Olympics Missouri. Despite health issues that once left him wheelchair bound for 2½ years, Brondel continues to be active in the community, volunteering at St. Martin Catholic School.