The Smile-maker Legacy
The “Smile-maker” event honors a legacy of community service started by our founder, Bob Gardner.
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Bob was known for looking for ways to bring a smile and joy to others by doing small tasks, often while remaining unknown, but always without looking for recognition.​
Beginning in 2024, The Gardner Insurance Agency team selects a member of our community who embodies this “Smile-maker” spirit to receive the "Smile-maker Award".
Our “Smile-maker” chosen each year will select the non-profit that will receive the proceeds from our annual "Smile-maker" Customer Appreciation & Community Yard Sale Event.
2024 "Smile-maker" Award Recipient & Non-Profit Beneficiary
2024 "Smile-maker" Award Recipient - Anne Peters
Anne is a Customer Service Specialist at German American Bank. She has worked for German American Bank for the last 20 years working in branches in Hanover, on Madison's hilltop, and now at the Main Street location.
Anne shared that she enjoys being a part of the team at German American Bank, noting that she has had the chance to build great relationships with many colleagues and customers over the years. She also appreciates German American Bank's focus on the local community, sharing that through her employment she has been able to volunteer with different events in the community which has helped build relationships even further.
She also noted that she loves being able to interact with customers each day.
"To me it is one of the best feelings to be able to help someone, from resolving a situation or concern, to just offering a smile and a listening ear. "
It is this constant effort to help that led to her nomination for this award. Anne has been and continues to be a true Smile-maker for our community!
2024 Non-Profit Beneficiary - River Valley Resources
Our 2024 Smile-maker, Anne Peters, had the opportunity to choose a non-profit in our community that was meaningful to her and who would serve as the beneficiary of all funds raised during our Community Yard Sale on October 19, 2024.
During our discussions with Anne, she shared that this was a difficult choice as she felt there were so many local non-profit organizations doing important work for the community. What a great reflection on our community - that there are so many doing such great work!
Anne chose River Valley Resources for the variety of programs they have available to the members of our community, specifically many that are targeted at education and employment assistance. "I feel strongly that as individuals have more opportunities, it can strengthen them, which then strengthens their families, which then strengthens our community."
We are grateful for the thoughtful effort Anne gave to selecting her non-profit beneficiary and equally grateful for the efforts of River Valley Resources. They are a wonderful asset to our community and we are pleased to be able to support their efforts through this donation.