Iowans are encouraged to nominate their hometown heroes for an award, and as a bonus, prime tickets for a college football duel. American Red Cross chapters across Iowa and Nebraska are planning a presentation for two stand-out citizens next month, one from each state. Tina Lebellarte, CEO of the Red Cross chapter based in Omaha, says they’re looking for our towns’ unsung leaders and volunteers. “People who perform an extraordinary act of courage or perhaps have dedicated many hours to special causes,” Lebellarte says. “These are really the unselfish people in our community.” The two winners will be recognized during an on-field ceremony prior to the start of the Iowa-Nebraska football game at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City on November 23rd.

Labellarte says Iowans should nominate someone they really admire who deserves a big pat on the back. She says, “Many people know of someone in their family, someone they work with, perhaps someone from their faith community that they might want to bring to our attention.” She says this honor that will be presented before the Hawkeyes-versus-Huskers game will be a momentous occasion for the winners.

“Often, we find that the heroes who are nominated didn’t even know about it,” Labellarte says, “so they get that exciting phone call.” Nomination forms are available at any Hy-Vee grocery store in the state and at any Red Cross office. The deadline to nominate someone is October 21st.