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The Tenderness Award

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Richard started the Tenderness Award in 1999 to recognize outstanding contributions to Indiana's children. The award is presented annually and includes a plaque and financial contribution. The award is presented annually to an individual or organization providing unique or inspirational contributions to Indiana's children. Winning organizations must be a non-profit organization qualifying as 501c3 or be sponsored by such an organization. Nominations are not accepted, and the vast majority of winners are a result of those Richard meets on the road. After choosing 3-4 nominees, Richard meets with previous winners, consults with the tour board and reaches an agreement on the year's selection.
 
In 2005, Richard decided to expand the "Tenderness Award" and make it a national award. Additionally, beginning in 2006 Richard will begin offering the "Tenderness Award" in areas outside of volunteerism including: Music, Film, Graphic Arts, Journalism & Politics. These awards will include a plaque and recognition on the Tenderness Tour website and through media outlets.
 
 

Richard

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  • 2003: Michie Sebree, President of NeoFight, received a $1,000 prize donated to NeoFight for her outstanding volunteer work in a variety of capacities. Ms. Sebree is a longtime volunteer with NeoFight and currently its board President, and has provided statewide leadership on perinatal issues. Ms. Sebree also is a nine-year volunteer with Big Sisters, RTS Bereavement Counselor, a member of the Indianapolis Crisis Assistance Response Team (ICART), a Tenderness Tour volunteer and also works with other organizations. Ms. Sebree is a shining example of a person turning their own tragedy into community healing as she experienced the loss of a twin, Luke, several years ago and continues to dedicate her life to supporting families experiencing a perinatal crisis. For more information on NeoFight, visit http://www.neofight.org/
  • 2004: Katie Collier has another inspirational story that led to her being awarded the $500 Tenderness Award this year for her work with Make-A-Wish Foundation of Indiana. Katie's wish to visit Disney World was granted in November, 2002. At the time, she was a sixteen-year-old high school student suffering from lymphosarcoma of the head and neck. Katie, her parents, and two siblings spent a fun, action-packed week in Orlando. In the years that have passed since Katie's wish was granted, she has been a strong supporter of Make-A-Wish. She has led her New Palestine classmates in several fundraisers for the Foundation, served as a volunteer at multiple events, and much more. Katie was a finalist for the Indianapolis Colts Community Quarterback Award, where Richard met her. Katie graduates from Whiteland High School in 2005 and hopes to attend Butler University. Visit the Make-A-Wish website at http://www.makeawishindiana.org/
  • 2005: The first winner of the Tenderness Award outside Indiana is First Witness Child Abuse Resource Center, a groundbreaking facility based in Duluth first started 13 years ago that provides child advocacy programs designed to be kid-friendly and protective by grouping all services to survivors of abuse under one roof. There are a couple things that make First Witness particularly unique...first, they also include the public defender's office AND they serve as a national training center for others needing trained on interviewing techniques with children. They network within their community to decrease overhead expenses and capitalize on community resources. They are a shining example of how to protect our children! They are a member of the National Children's Alliance. For more information, http://www.firstwitness.org/
  • 2006: The 2006 "Tenderness Award" is being presented to Justin Watt, PFC, a soldier from Tucson, Arizona.  Watt received tremendous publicity for his courage and conviction in reporting the sexual assault of a young 14-year-old girl who was murdered (along with her family) by soldiers stationed in Iraq.

  • 1999: Prevent Child Abuse, Indiana captured a $1,000 prize in recognition for being the state leader in promoting the idea of preventing child abuse in the state of Indiana. Since 1977, Prevent Child Abuse, Indiana has been a national leader in providing a wide array of programs to address the issue of child abuse in Indiana. They are a longtime supporter of the Tenderness Tour and a frequent recipient of our fund-raisers. To find out more visit http://www.pcain.org/
  • 2000: Reach for Youth was awarded a $1,000 prize in recognition of its excellent programs, especially "Teen Court" and Adolescent Sex Offender Treatment. Based in Indianapolis, Reach for Youth also offers services in Johnson County. For more information, visit http://www.reachforyouth.org/
  • 2001: Daryl Abbott, Executive Director of CAPS of Elkhart receives a $1,000 donation to CAPS recognizing his lifetime of contributions to child abuse prevention through CAPS in Elkhart and his long-standing involvement with Prevent Child Abuse Indiana and other organizations. Abbott has served on PCAI's board of directors and is widely regarded as a spokesperson for Indiana's children. For more information on CAPS visit http://www.capselkhart.org/
  • 2002: The Haven Youth Center in Martinsville, Indiana received a $1,000 donation following a visit by Richard during the previous year's "Tenderness Tour." Richard was so impressed by the facility, staff, volunteers and kids that he knew he needed to recognize their outstanding and unique programs for Morgan County youth. Visit their website at http://www.fcchurch.biz/

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