Legacy Foundation, the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana, has announced the recipients for the 2024 Heart of Lake County awards, honoring four community leaders who use their time and talents to positively impact Lake County.
Tory Prasco will be presented with the Gold Key Award. Tory is a Partner with Burke Costanza & Carberry, LLP where he helps clients fulfil their philanthropic goals by incorporating philanthropy into estate planning. Tory is a long-time volunteer at Legacy Foundation, serving as board chair, board member, and on various committees over the last 25 years. Tory is also on the Board of Directors of the Crossroads YMCA, St. Catherine’s Hospital, and the Board of Trustees of Calumet College of St. Joesph.
The Corporate Philanthropy Award will be presented to Tolbert & Tolbert, LLC. Since opening their firm in downtown Gary, Partners Michael and Shelice Tolbert have been committed to giving back. The firm prioritizes supporting community initiatives and being active members of the community. Michael and Shelice volunteer regularly, serve as mentors, and provide pro-bono service events for residents to receive free law advice.
Ken Schoon will receive the Excellence in Nonprofit Board Leadership Award. Ken is a founding board member at Dunes Learning Center where his passion for and knowledge of local history and geology has helped shape the organization into the center it is today. Ken previously served on the Munster Town Council, was a middle and high school science teacher, and taught science at Indiana University Northwest.
The Community Spirit Award will be presented to Elena De Jesus. Elena has been a registered nurse for almost 50 years and is currently a Nurse Case Manager at Methodist Hospital. She is an active member of the Philippine Nurses Association of Northwest Indiana and Philippine Professionals Association, where she has previously served as the president of both organizations. Elena is a strong advocate for public health and promotes preventative care within the community.
Awards will be presented to recipients at the Foundation’s Annual Celebration on August 20, at the Dean and Barbara White Community Center in Merrillville. To register, visit www.legacyfdn.org/upcoming-events before August 16.
About Legacy Foundation
Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. Our mission is to transform Lake County by providing strategic leadership and impactful philanthropic support to ensure equitable opportunity for all communities that we serve. Through the generosity of a wide base of donors, Legacy Foundation has awarded over $50 million in grants and scholarships to nonprofit organizations and individuals since its founding in 1992. The foundation manages nearly $85 million in assets and is governed by a volunteer board of directors representing a diverse spectrum of business, education, and the nonprofit and public sectors. Learn more at www.legacyfdn.org.