December 27, 2010 This year was full of emotion for many people and for many different reasons. 2010 was marked by natural disasters like floods and fires as well as economic setback and a year for some to rebuild. Throughout the year many people needed a helping hand and someone was often there to lend it. These individuals don’t hesitate when there’s a need and often selflessly go out of their way for others. These people are known as “heroes” and now is the time to honor them for their acts of kindness. “With the year coming to an end, it’s the perfect time to give someone a gift they truly deserve,” said Annie Vander Werff, Heroes Among Us Co-Chair. “Those family members or friends who go out of their way for others throughout the year are the ones who give the greatest gift of all: compassion. Nominate them to be recognized for their dedication to others and their community at this year’s Heroes Among Us.”

“Heroes Among Us” nomination categories include: Public Safety (firefighter, law enforcement, security officers, 911 dispatchers, part-time or volunteer); Good Samaritan (youth 20 and under); Good Samaritan (adult 21+); Community Service (individual or group); Medical/health Care (physicians, nurses, EMT, paramedics or caregiver); Military (active duty, reserve, guard, individual or group); Nature (nature rescue or environmental efforts); Animal (heroic acts involving an animal); Work place (heroic act in a workplace). Corporate donors sponsor each award presented. Video vignettes of each hero’s story will be shown at the breakfast.

Nominations will be accepted until 5:00 p.m., Friday, January 14, 2010. Nomination forms may be picked up at the front desks of Sartori Memorial Hospital, Covenant Medical Center and Mercy Hospital in Oelwein, or at their respective Foundation offices. Nominations can also be placed online at . Click on the “Heroes Among Us” logo under events on the homepage or call 319-272-7676. Table sponsorships are limited and are expected to sell out. Individual tickets for the event will be sold to the general public for $20 per ticket.

This is a joint venture to honor local heroes as well as benefit the emergency services departments at both Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo and Sartori Memorial Hospital in Cedar Falls. Proceeds from previous events have helped put a new ambulance on the streets serving the Cedar Valley as well as put new radios in the hands of paramedics. The 2010 Heroes will be honored for their heroism on March 24, 2011 at Park Place Event Centre in Cedar Falls.

Covenant Foundation, Inc. exists to “develop friends and resources for Covenant Medical Center.” As the charitable fund-raising arm of the hospital, the Foundation seeks to bring together the gifts and resources of the community to help meet the healthcare needs of those who are served in all areas of the hospital. The mission of Sartori Health Care Foundation is to develop and maintain relationships and resources to enhance the quality of healthcare for the people served by Sartori Memorial Hospital. The Sartori Health Care Foundation creates an environment that supports, promotes, stimulates, and acknowledges Sartori Hospital for its quality care.