In the midst of busy lives, we can forget how much local do-gooders improve our community. Doctors heal the sick, teachers help children learn to read, the trails stay cleared of brush; what’s the big deal? It’s always been like this.
Thrive Allen County’s banquet Friday night, their 16th in the non-profit’s history, sought to recognize the change makers, those who perform the ordinary miracles that seek to make Allen County a better place to live and work. Around 350 guests packed into the Allen Community College gymnasium to join in on the fun.
But the host also deserves some recognition. A decade ago, Thrive Allen County had 4.5 positions and celebrated the completion of the Southwind Rail Trail at its annual banquet. Thrive now employs 32 people, has a budget of $4.8 million and was critical to the creation of Lehigh Portland State Park. Over the past five years, noted CEO Lisse Regehr, Thrive has “assisted 25 entities, bringing in an additional $5.2 million to Allen County.”
That’s a solid return on investment. In the same spirit as those it honored Friday, Thrive also provides services many of us think little about. Take its transportation program, Allen Regional Transit. Regehr noted that “so far this year, we have provided more than 4,450 rides and covered more than 85,000 miles.” The public safety-net service offers rides in an 115-mile radius and will soon become its own non-profit.
Or how about Thrive Kansas, a state-wide network of rural communities that, among other tasks, helps residents enroll in health insurance plans. And don’t forget Zero to Thrive, another coalition that, as Regehr described, addresses childcare and early childhood development.
Locally, its Allen County Task Force has played a significant role in helping both Marmaton Valley School District and USD 257 as they apply for multi-million dollar grants from the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund. And the Southeast Kansas Recovery Resources has operated a recovery house here in Iola for a year and a half now. Community conversations across the county engage residents and allow them a chance to share hopes and dreams. 
ALL THE more impressive, then, when an organization that does so much takes time to celebrate the work of others. The night’s top recognition went to Iola Industries, which received the Donna Talkington Award for Community Excellence.
Georgia Masterson, last year’s recipient, presented members of the Iola Industries board an award that, she explained, is “given by Thrive to groups or individuals whose service to Allen County exemplifies the standard of commitment and dedication that Donna showed throughout her decades of public service.”
Iola Industries, said Masterson, is “a group that always has the community’s interests before its own, who gives with the understanding their dividends come back in the form of positive changes and growth in our community.” The group’s recent donation of 360 acres allowed for Lehigh Portland State Park to be created. It was Iola Industries’ most valuable asset, valued at over $2 million.
THE EVENING also featured awards for Excellence in Education, Health and Wellness, Recreation, and Economic Development.
USD 257 won top honors for education, given in recognition for its “work to improve, adapt, and face the challenges of fostering an education system that serves its students, as well as the community.” Other nominees were Allen Community College and the Humboldt Public Library.
In Health and Wellness, Humboldt’s The Growing Place was recognized for “cultivating the seeds of our future by instilling a love for learning, a feeling of wellbeing, and a model for healthy community relationships through their dedication and love.” The childcare center was recently awarded a $1.16 million grant to add 39 new spots, helping meet a desperate need for child care in the region.
Other nominees were Iola Pharmacy, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, and the Elsmore Ruritan Food Pantry.
Humboldt’s The Water Wars, USD 257’s after school program SAFE BASE, and the LaHarpe Days Planning Committee were the finalists for Thrive’s Award of Excellence in Recreation. Water Wars, an annual event managed by A Bolder Humboldt, was the winner. The day of fun continues to draw hundreds from near and far. 
In economic development, LaHarpe’s TLC Garden Center was recognized for its “welcoming atmosphere that attracts business to Allen County from across the state.” Other finalists were Sigg Tire and Repair of Iola and Humboldt’s H&H TJ’s Family Diner.
