There’s always a reason to celebrate when one of our teammates scores a job, however recently we were kicking up our heels when we learned that one of our long-time team members was awarded Associate of the Month by the Sheraton Indianapolis City Center Hotel.

Having been on the job for a little over four months, Jeffrey Powell was recognized for his performance, productivity and dedication to the property and the guests.  “Being a maintenance engineer, you never know what you’re going to be called to fix or build. It could be anything from a leak to drywall repair. Sometimes it’s as easy as plugging the lamp in for the guest.  Whatever it is, I respond as soon as I get the call. A lot of times I work ahead to keep on top of possible problems that might occur”, said Jeffrey.

Jeffrey, who previously served in the United States Navy, has been an active team member with the BoMF Indy Warman Warriors team.  Throughout his 15 months with the team, he has maintained 100% attendance and continues to humor our early morning runs with his “Jeffreyisms” that include words of wisdom appearing to be more of a cross between an Aesop Fable and witty sarcasm. Being one to “call it like he sees it” he is quick to recognize the BoMF volunteers as the  most upbeat and dedicated folks he’s ever known and explains, “Everyday the volunteers come down here and they’re always happy, even early in the morning. They never complain about the gas or the time. They are real leaders who lead by example.  I wouldn’t be doing what I am today without Back on My Feet and the volunteers.”

As the Warman Warriors’ featured Runner in the Month last January, Jeffrey cited his reason for joining “Happy Feet” as he refers to it, was to obtain a job. His goal was to eventually move out of transitional housing and be a home owner again. Obtaining a job through one of Back on My Feet’s job partners has moved Jeffrey one step closer to his goal.

Jeffrey and volunteer Emily Hickman finish the Hoosier Hoops 5K together.

Indy BoMF Program Director Brian Meyer, Jeffery and volunteers celebrate the accomplishments of helping Hoosier Hearts and Hands get closer to their goal of renovating homes in the Haughville community.

Circling up at the end of a run with the Serenity Prayer.

The long awaited Birthday celebration was a HUGE success! There were so many special moments at the event and we are so grateful for the support of the Indianapolis community.

A big thanks to EMCEE Andi Hauser!

First and foremost- thank you so much to all of the incredible sponsors who made this day possible- and a special thanks to the Bruce and Beth White Family Foundation for their generous contribution of $65,000 to the Indianapolis chapter on this exciting day.

Since 2010, White Lodging has been a huge supporter of BoMF and last March, they helped kick off the launch of the Indianapolis Chapter. Once again, they stepped up and brought in an array of supporters to get involved and sponsor the Birthday Luncheon. We have been incredibly fortunate to have such a strong, committed partner in White Lodging.

Thank you to our Birthday Luncheon honoree Dave Sibley, President and CEO of Hospitality Management at White Lodging, Scott Blalock, General Manager, JW Marriott and Phil Ray, General Manager, Indianapolis Marriott Downtown for advocating for BoMF, sharing our story with partner companies and rallying for support.

Highlights of the day included:

• President and Founder, Anne Mahlum sharing her story with our supporters
• Honoring Dave Sibley, President and CEO of Hospitality Management at White Lodging
• Honoring Non-Residential Members of the Year, Tom and Deb Gardner
• Honoring Residential Members of the Year Ron Gephart and James Boyd
• Sharing the day with our supporters in the Indianapolis community

THANK YOU to all of the Sponsors for the 2012 Indianapolis Birthday Luncheon, we were able to raise over $190,000 through this event!

Marathon Title sponsor:

Half marathon Presenting Sponsors:

10-Mile Sponsors:

Markey’s Rental and Staging, Simon Property Group, Wilds Restoration

5-Mile Sponsors:

Brickman Group, Colts NFL, Devine Group, Faegre Baker & Daniels, Gilchrist and Soames, Greater Indianapolis Hotel and Lodging Association, Harry and Izzy’s, Indianapolis Downtown Inc, KPM Hotel Group, NCAA, Piazza Produce, St. Elmo’s Steakhouse,  St Vincent Health, REI Investments, Inc, United Water

Supported By:

AT&T, Cintas, Cogent Media Group, ExactTarget, HH Gregg, Indianapolis Indians, Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association, Towne Park, USA Track & Field, WishTV, GreenSky Media, Harding Poorman Group, Chrissy Vasquez, Steve and Debbie Vasquez, Tom and Deb Gardner, Emilee Britt, Dave Jose, Tom Thompson, Joe Langebartels, Leona Frank, Team Progress House, Teams HVAF of Indiana Manchester and Warman.

Thank you to all of the Silent Auction Donors and Bidders!

Non-Residential Members of the Year Tom and Deb Gardner!

Residential Member of the Year Ron Gephart!

Residential Member of the Year James Boyd!

We are excited for what is in store for this coming year and can’t wait to share stories of success with everyone! Thank you all for your support!