August 6, 2025 -Seven local individuals were recognized Wednesday during the 21st Annual Do Something Great Awards, a program presented by the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation (HICF). The awards celebrate individuals and organizations who have contributed to Macon County through volunteerism, philanthropy, and community engagement.
Honorees were selected in seven categories:
Excellence in Inclusion
Rev. Courtney Carson, Vice President of External Relations at Richland Community College, received the award for his work in workforce development and advocacy. He was nominated for founding the EnRich program, which focuses on equipping underserved populations with technical and life skills. In addition to his role at Richland, Carson engages in community outreach, public speaking, and policy discussions aimed at addressing systemic inequities.
Outstanding Young Philanthropist
Logan Hallam, a 14-year-old Eagle Scout with Troop 134, was recognized for leading a volunteer construction project at Scovill Zoo. Hallam raised nearly $6,000—more than double the $2,500 project budget—for the construction of a new habitat for Ella the Galapagos Tortoise. The additional funds were donated directly to the zoo.
The Ellsworth Dansby Jr. Volunteer Award
Sam Johnson, retired principal architect at BLDD Architects, Inc., was honored for his ongoing contributions to community organizations, including his role as volunteer board president at Thinkwell Makerspace Innovations. Johnson has served in several advisory roles and is also active in the arts community as a brass musician.
Outstanding Professional Partner
Paul Osborne, publisher and editor of the Decatur Tribune, was recognized for his newspaper’s ongoing support of local nonprofits. The Tribune, an independent weekly publication, has provided a consistent platform for nonprofit visibility and public engagement.
The Preston Jackson Arts Award
Barbara Dove, a visual artist and founding member of Gallery 510 Arts Guild, Ltd., received this award for her decades-long involvement in the local arts community. Dove served as executive director of Gallery 510 until her retirement in 2024 and helped establish the Arts in Central Park event.
Ray Batman Nonprofit Professional of the Year
Kelly Day, President of Girl Scouts of Central Illinois, was recognized for nearly 30 years of leadership within the organization. Day has overseen program development, organizational consolidation, and innovative outreach efforts—including the Beyond Bars program with Decatur Correctional Facility. She is also active in several community organizations and previously served as COO and interim CEO of the council.
Robert and Bev Ketenbrink Community Commitment Award
Roberta Gorden was honored for her early and substantial support of the Meridian Ag Foundation’s $1.7 million campaign to establish agriculture facilities at Meridian High School. Gorden’s contribution—recognized with the naming of the Roberta K. Gorden Greenhouse—helped launch the fundraising effort. A lifelong resident of Blue Mound, she also supports several college scholarship initiatives related to agriculture and horticulture.
The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation has presented the Do Something Great Awards annually since 2003, recognizing individuals whose work contributes to the betterment of Macon County.
