Over 20 years ago a group of Nederland community members got together and decided that there were people in town who should be recognized for their extraordinary efforts toward making our mountain home an excellent place to live.

Without being paid, they planted gardens, built paths, created services and assistance for those in need, went to their jobs and then came home to work for others.

Some were volunteers and some were employees who went way beyond what was expected from them. They gave and gave and the whole town benefitted.

The Community Champion Awards Ceremony has become an annual tradition to recognize these behind the scene benefactors of our town. In the last couple of months, the Peak to Peak Healthy Communities Project has been collecting nominations naming the people who have continued the tradition of giving way more than they receive.

On Saturday, February 28, at 5:30 p.m. at Kathmandu, these people will be honored with plaques, recognition, dinner, and live music, as well as the accolades from friends, neighbors and coworkers who know how hard these people have worked.

Our community depends on these people to keep us moving forward, peaceful, beautiful and functional. It needs its teachers to do the best they can to help the students do the best they can.

It needs the business owners who partner with the non-profits, the employees who do their job to the best of their abilities, with a smile.

Nederland has more than its share of exemplary community members and just a portion of them will be honored on Saturday. Come join the fun.

Give them a standing ovation and let them know you appreciate their work.

Perhaps knowing what they do will inspire others to join the ranks of those who make Nederland our preferred home in the world.