Published: June 13, 2009 09:17 pm      

Tribune, Interfaith looking for Giants in Southern Indiana

Giants — the best kind — not only live throughout Southern Indiana, but their selfless giving casts admirable shadows of goodness that continue to change the landscape.

For the third year, the community is invited to honor those unassuming servants at the Giants in the Faith: Celebrating Today’s Christian Role Models luncheon to recognize people of all ages who are esteemed for the impact they have had on others’ Christian faith. The event is under the auspices of Interfaith Community Council, the New Albany-based human services ministry serving Southern Indiana.

The public is again invited to submit the name of a person or married couple to be honored at the family-centered luncheon at Huber’s Country Picnic Building behind the restaurant in Starlight on Aug. 30 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

The Tribune is again the title sponsor. Supporting sponsors are Seabrook Dieckmann & Naville Funeral Homes and First Harrison Bank.

WHO IS YOUR GIANT?

A person may submit only one form indicating the name of such a Giant in the Faith. Last year’s honorees are ineligible to be honored again, and a list of the 76 past honorees is available in Interfaith Community Council’s office, its newsletter and by clicking on the “Giants” logo and then “Previous Honorees” on its Web site at www.interfaithinc.org.

Only the first 36 complete applications to be submitted by the firm deadline of July 7 will be honored. The number of honorees is limited only to allow for adequate time to recognize all of them appropriately, according to Christine Harbeson, executive director of Interfaith. She also emphasizes that this is not a nomination process, since no selection is involved. Each person whose name is submitted will be honored.

People may pick up an honoree form in Interfaith’s member churches; in The Tribune; at The Tribune at 303 Scribner Dr.; or on Interfaith’s Web site or at its offices at 702 E. Market St. in New Albany, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Applications also may be submitted conveniently through the mail slot after hours. To ensure efficiency and accuracy, no submissions will be accepted verbally, on voice mail, or via e-mail.

HONOREE CRITERIA

The honoree should be a Christian of any age — past honorees have ranged in age from 5 to 92 — must reside or worship in Floyd County, and must commit to attending Aug. 30 with the person who submits his or her name.

Each honoree’s influence may come in a variety of forms on the job, at home or church, or in the community, according to James A. Kanning, Interfaith board member who is chairing the event.

“There are other wonderful avenues for recognizing one’s volunteer activities, so Giants draws attention to the significant and personal ways people of all ages are lending strength and encouragement to each other because of their faith in God,” Kanning said. “It’s also an opportunity to celebrate God’s goodness through his servants now instead of after they are gone, for the purpose of encouraging even more people.”

LUNCHEON EVENT

The luncheon, which is a family-friendly Christian event, is expected to be a sellout with a few hundred people. The meal will feature Huber’s family buffet and will cost $20 for adults, ages 12 and older, and $15 for children, ages 4 to 11. Those younger than age 3 are free.

“The committee made a concerted effort to keep the cost of these tickets as low as possible,” said Harbeson. “We hope people will be able to bring their families so they all can enjoy a very special event.”

Interfaith will pay for each honoree, and all others may purchase tickets beginning in mid-July. Ticket order forms will appear in The Tribune in July and August along with the names of all 2009 honorees so others who know and appreciate them may plan to attend as well. These forms also will be available at Floyd County churches and at the Interfaith offices between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Internationally known saxophonist Jamey Aebersold will open the celebration to fete honorees, whose names and brief explanation of their impact will be noted from the podium and in a commemorative booklet for each attendee.

FOR INFORMATION

For additional information, call Interfaith at 812-206-1800.