Call for Nominations: 2025 Sara Hardy Humanitarian Award & Human Rights Business/Organization Awards
The Traverse City Human Rights Commission is now accepting nominations for its 2025 awards recognizing exceptional individuals, businesses, and organizations that embody the values of human rights, mutual respect, and inclusivity within our community.
Sara Hardy Humanitarian Award
Named in honor of Sara Hardy—whose tireless advocacy helped establish the Human Rights Commission more than three decades ago—this prestigious award is presented annually to an individual who demonstrates outstanding humanitarian efforts and a commitment to the values of mutual understanding, equity, and inclusion.
We invite community members to nominate individuals who champion human rights and make a meaningful impact in Traverse City. Nominations must include:
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The nominee’s full name, address, email, and phone number
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The nominator’s contact information
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A supporting letter outlining the nominee’s contributions and the reasons for their nomination
Nominators may be invited to present their submissions at a Human Rights Commission meeting.
Past recipients include Jane Lippert, Kathy Sanders, Courtney Wiggins, Tom Bousamra, Marian Kromkowski, and Ryan Hannon.
Humanitarian Awards for Businesses & Organizations
In addition to honoring individuals, the Commission will also recognize businesses and organizations that show a strong commitment to human rights and community service—both in the workplace and in broader society.
Awards will be presented in two categories:
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Businesses/organizations with 1–30 employees
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Businesses/organizations with 31 or more employees
Past honorees include Food Rescue of NW Michigan, Grand Traverse Industries, Traverse Health Clinic and Coalition (THCC), J&S Hamburg (South Airport), and Project Feed the Kids.
Nomination Details
Deadline: Noon on Friday, May 2, 2025
Submission Methods
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Online: Nomination Form
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Email: citypers@traversecitymi.gov
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Mail: 400 Boardman Avenue, Traverse City, MI 49684
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Fax: 231-922-4470
The award recipients will be honored at the Governmental Center on a date to be announced, with a pre-award reception held during that evening’s Traverse City Commission meeting.
For more information, contact Human Resources at citypers@traversecitymi.gov.
We look forward to your nominations and the opportunity to celebrate those making Traverse City a more inclusive and compassionate place for all.