Celebration of Brave Hearts
On July 31, 2009, The People’s Burn Foundation hosted “Celebration of Brave Hearts” at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in downtown Indianapolis. This year marked the 10th anniversary of the summer fundraising dinner and silent auction, which prior to this year was celebrated as "Summer Ice.”
The event celebrated the Foundation’s founder, Della Wright, who was surprised by a special recognition by naming the organization’s “Extinguish the Need” Program in her honor. Della provided a moving testimony of her experience in 1991 in an apartment fire, where she lost two of her three children – Nicolas and Mary – which provided the vision to establish the Foundation.
Other highlights of the festivities included entertainment by the Emerald Society Bagpipers comprised of area firefighters; a moving “Brave Hearts Idol” talent show featuring vocal, dance and skit performances by burn survivor children who attended “Brave Hearts Camp” in June; and dancing and music by “the band etc…”
Three annual awards also were presented – Lis Daily Heart of the Community Award to Dave Johnston for his outstanding dedication for volunteer service; Sushila Sood Champion of Courage Award to Rene Olibo for his extraordinary courage after suffering from burns and loss of both hands and forearms in a work-related accident; and Heart of Gold Award presented to Stacey Hissong for her dedication and service as a camp counselor.