Why do we call someone a hero? Is it because they were at the right place at the right time and prevented something bad from happening or because they always go out of their way to help others? Whether it’s saving a life or saving time to make someone feel seen, the impact one person has on another is what ultimately defines what a hero is.
In 2022, Roper & Sons in Lincoln, Nebraska, established the Here’s To The Heroes Award as an opportunity to recognize everyday heroes in our community, to thank individuals for going above and beyond to make a difference in other people’s lives.
Heroes are Unique
When it comes to everyday heroes, you may think of several individuals who, over the course of your life, have gone out of their way to be there for you in one way or another. It’s the selfless acts of kindness that make them stand tall among the many people you know or don’t know.
We define heroes as people who:
- Have personal values that give them the strength and self-confidence to find ways to help others.
- Are focused more on their convictions than the challenges they face.
- Offer help with positivity and compassion.
- Are determined to make a difference.
- Choose others over themselves.
- Display acts of kindness, bravery or courage
Actions of heroes don’t have to be extraordinary, but they make the person who benefits from their actions feel extraordinary. Acts of kindness are on display all the time. We just have to be open to seeing them.
Past Recipients of the Heroes Award
In 2022, Roper & Sons recognized Rose Hood Buss, the Executive Director of The HUB in Lincoln. Rose was nominated for her dedication to improving the lives of so many in the community, specifically young adults who have been in the foster care system and now need guidance finding housing, jobs, or attending college.
Daniel Martinez is a Music and Culture touring and teaching artist with the Nebraska Arts Council, and a Teaching Artist for The Lied Center for Performing Arts and at Lincoln Public Schools. In 2023, he was the recipient of the Heroes Award because of his ability to use music as a way to celebrate diversity and to fight discrimination, promoting inclusion through music and culture.
These are just two examples of individuals who have made a difference in countless lives.
Nominate Your Hero
You can change the life of someone by nominating them for Roper & Sons’ Here’s To The Heroes Award. They could be a neighbor, a caregiver, a teacher, a family member – the list is endless. The winner of the 2024 Here’s to the Heroes award will be announced at the Hub & Soul Music Series event on September 27. Nominees will be guests of Roper & Sons at the event, held at Union Plaza in Lincoln. The winner will receive a monetary gift of $1,000, and runners-up will also be announced and receive gifts. You can find more information and a link to the nomination form on the Roper & Sons website. Nominees must be residents of Lincoln.
You can change the life of someone by nominating them for Roper & Sons’ Here’s To The Heroes Award. They could be a neighbor, a caregiver, a teacher, a family member – the list is endless. The winner of the 2024 Here’s to the Heroes award will be announced at the Hub & Soul Music Series event on September 27. Nominees will be guests of Roper & Sons at the event, held at Union Plaza in Lincoln. The winner will receive a monetary gift of $1,000, and runners-up will also be announced and receive gifts. You can find more information and a link to the nomination form on the Roper & Sons website. Nominees must be residents of Lincoln.