Ent Credit Union Celebrates Changemakers with $50,000 in 2023 Ent Community Advocate Awards

Colorado Springs, Colo. – Ent Credit Union is proud to announce the recipients of its 2023 Ent Community Advocate Award. This year, four outstanding individuals were honored with surprise awards, collectively receiving $50,000 to further their remarkable contributions to their Colorado communities. This marks the second year of the awards program, initiated in 2022.

The inaugural Ent Community Advocate Award, presented in November 2022, applauded the bravery of local heroes Richard Fierro and Thomas James; these two courageous individuals played pivotal roles in subduing a gunman at Club Q Night Club and ensuring the safety of fellow community members.

"We are truly inspired by the extraordinary efforts of our 2023 Ent Community Advocate Award winners,” said Annie Snead, Senior Manager of Community Advocacy, Ent Credit Union. “Their selfless contributions have not only brightened our communities but have also made them happier, healthier, and safer places to live. It is a testament to the power of individuals to create positive change, and we are honored to acknowledge and celebrate their remarkable impact."

Recipients of the 2023 Ent Community Advocate Award include:

• Don Klinge, a resource officer at Jordahl Elementary, Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8, who went above and beyond, providing essentials like clothes and food at his own expense to ensure students have what they need.
• Zelna Joseph, executive director for Mission Medical Center in Colorado Springs, Joseph, who demonstrated unwavering commitment by forgoing her salary to help the financially struggling organization provide free medical and dental care for the uninsured.
• Heather Greenwood, co-founder and co-owner of Gracefull Café in Littleton, established a restaurant that operates on a 'pay as you can' model, giving away 60% of their cafe meals as 'Grace in Action' meals, all run by a mix of volunteers and staff.
• Rebecca McDonald, a special needs teacher at Oak Creek Elementary in school district 2 in Colorado Springs, was recognized for her compassionate efforts that go beyond teaching; she developed a successful behavior program, provides food and snacks for those in her classes, and is credited for having made a significant impact on her students.

Nominations for the 2024 Ent Community Advocate Awards will be announced later this year. To learn more about Ent Credit Union, visit www.ent.com.