The Leslie Vassilaros Hope’s Hero Award
Hope is an optimistic attitude of mind that is based on an expectation of positive outcomes related to events and
circumstances in one's life or the world at large. As a verb, its definitions include: "expect with confidence" and "to
cherish a desire with anticipation
A hero (masculine) or heroine (feminine) is a person or main character of a literary work who, in the face of danger,
combats adversity through impressive feats of ingenuity, bravery or strength, often sacrificing his or her own personal
concerns for some greater good.
The concept of the hero was first founded in classical literature. It is the main or revered character in heroic epic poetry
celebrated through ancient legends of a people; often striving for military conquest and living by a continually flawed
personal honor code. The definition of a hero has changed throughout time, and the Merriam Webster dictionary
defines a hero as "a person who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities". Examples of heroes range from
mythological figures, such as Gilgamesh, Achilles and Iphigenia, to historical figures, such as Joan of Arc, modern heroes
like Florence Nightingale and Mahatma Gandhi to fantasy fictional heroes including Superman and Batman
Harmony House, in commemoration of the retirement of founder and original Executive Director, Leslie Vassilaros,
has designed the Hope’s Hero award. Our Goal in creating this award is to honor Leslie in a way that recognizes other
community members for what we see in her. A Hero of this valley who made Harmony House her mission to give
Hope a Home because she believed in it. She fought to bring Hope to children and families throughout this
community and the state, always remembering and keeping those around her, to stay focused on giving them hope
when they were hopeless, supporting them in difficult times and helping them to heal.
Since its inception in 2003, Harmony House has tirelessly served the children of the Upper Ohio Valley, in retrospect, a
closet and a dream somehow became two centers and 1,087 community members served in that dreamer’s final year
at the helm. The award honors professionals and laypeople who have made outstanding contributions to vulnerable
segments of the community. It will recognize their excellence in community response to adversity and to spotlight the
impact one’s individual personal strides have made in the Ohio Valley among their collaborating peers. Annually, a 5member team will review the submissions received from the community collaboratives and recognize one Hero that will
be honored with an award at the yearly Toast of the Vineyard winetasting fundraiser.
Nomination Guidelines
Who may be nominated? An individual person --a resident of Ohio, West Virgina or Pennsylvania --who gives time,
effort, service, and support to our community
Who may NOT be nominated? A Harmony House Board Member or anyone on the nomination review committee.
What are the steps for making a nomination? Complete the application and return to Harmony House. Be sure the
application includes all pertinent facts about the nominee AND you have the nominee's permission to be nominated.
If you have any questions, please call Jay at 304-230-2205.
WHO TO CONSIDER...
Nominee’s current and collective body of community work is focused on helping our vulnerable segments of the
community.
Individuals nominated must be 21 years of age and demonstrate a commitment to providing hope to their community
at large.
Nominees may be nominated multiple years but may only receive one award in a lifetime.
Nominee has championed efforts in significant contributions toward promoting community safety, comfort, care,
guidance, and support.
Nominee inspires hope and creativity, demonstrates vision, inspiration, direction, and support
Nominee recognizes the importance of giving back to others and community collaboration as a team player; willing to
learn from others.
Submission will include a written essay explaining why this person is truly hope’s hero, a champion of inspiration and
optimism of no more than 2,500 words. Please include specific examples, work experience, and evidence that would
support your nomination. List any quotes from authorities that illustrate his/her achievements. Thank you for your
interest in Harmony House and the continued induction of our next champion, our Hope’s Hero.
Nominee Name:
e-mail:
Address:
Phone #
Fax #
Occupation:
Employer:
Nominated by:
Signature/Date :
Phone #
e-mail: