Tickets for the Good Life Awards are on sale now! Click here to purchase!
The notion of celebrating the good in Northwest Indiana began almost 15 years ago has lead to the creation the largest library of positive stories, photos, videos, and events in the Region. Years ago, GreatNews.Life (GNL) decided to launch an awards event based on people who have impacted that mission in a significant way helping to make that library of good possible.
This year, GNL is bringing back the Good Life Awards on Thursday, November 30 to honor those inspiring individuals. This special ceremony will induct a new class of six people, adding to the current alumni list of 42 leaders, and will recognize them with a custom-crafted, solid steel Good Life Award.
“This whole good news idea is something people don't often see and could not be sustained and grown like it has without people believing in it, supporting it, encouraging others to get involved, and being committed to that mission along with us,” said GNL Founder Chris Mahlmann.
Winners of the Good Life Awards are hand-selected by Mahlmann for embodying the positivity he sees throughout the Region. Mahlmann looks for the qualities that make up the fabric of all the stories GNL covers: hard work, service to others, positive attitudes, and people who are drivers in improving the world around them.
“Picking six each time is challenging because our work introduces us to hundreds of new people every year who are making a difference and want to sign up for our good news army. This region is incredibly blessed by people that care,” Mahlmann said.
GNL will host the eighth annual Good Life Awards at the recently restored historic La Porte Civic Auditorium. In celebration mode, this year’s Good Life Awards will be kicked off with a champagne breakfast.
Mayor Tom Dermody of the City of La Porte was excited to help bring back the awards ceremony. Combined with the State of the City address just a few hours after the Good Life Awards, La Porte has a lot to celebrate on November 30.
“GreatNews.Life has been an incredible partner to the City of La Porte for the last several years,” Dermody said. “Their tireless work to show the good happening all around us has truly lifted up not only our community, but the Region as a whole. Their Good Life Awards is yet another example of their commitment to spreading positivity, and we are so thrilled that they’ve chosen the City of La Porte to be the site for what is sure to be an outstanding event.”
There are 42 previous winners of the Good Life Awards that include non-profit, city, and community leaders, legendary Lifers, and beacons of good that have connected with our team and our mission.
"The Good Life Awards is an event that tugs at the heartstrings and I am delighted to be able to bring it back," said GNL Executive Director Jenny Craig-Brown. "To see so many remarkable community members receive recognition for their commitment to positivity, community betterment, and efforts to spread good is truly invaluable. We are fortunate to have such an incredible community overflowing with individuals who help us fulfill our mission to spread positivity. wholeheartedly encourage everyone to join us at this event. Together we can build this community and elevate these leaders."
2023 Good Life Award Honorees
Gena DeMuth, Interim Chief Nursing Officer for Northwest Health - Porter, New Media Journalist for GreatNews.Life
"Gena is a superhero. In the medical world, she has been a nurse, manager, and Director of Nursing known for handling everything that comes her way. As a Lifer, she does exactly the same. She's relentless, giving, caring, holds herself to crazy high standards, and brings complete peace of mind when she is involved," Mahlmann said.
Dave Uran, President and CEO of the South Shore Convention & Visitors Authority
"Dave is performance driven, and he embraced our mission as soon as we met many years ago in Crown Point while serving as the mayor. His personal values of hard work, team development, and the pursuit of excellence in everything he does are aligned closely with ours," Mahlmann said.
Gene Crusie, CEO of Surf Internet
"There was a clarity of purpose I saw in Gene the minute I met him -- in his work, in his marriage, in his sporting life, and in his faith. He is humbly working to bring out the best in himself and those around him every day," Mahlmann said.
Craig Harrell, Chief Marketing Officer of Center for Hospice Care
"I met Craig many years ago when he was serving in Lake County where we developed a friendship along with a partnership. All these years later, working with him in La Porte County and Michiana, he has been an advisor, walking testimonial, and engaged partner in our mission. He has also been a key driver behind our expansion to the South Bend, Mishawaka, and Michiana region in 2024," Mahlmann said.
Mary Fetsch, Director of Marketing & Corporate Communications at Community Healthcare System
"Mary is the first of many people at Community Healthcare System to believe in our mission. Her faith in pursuing good news came early on in our journey, well before we were proven. She has been so encouraging to every one of our people. The way she values people, loyalty, and positivity will forever stand the test of time," Mahlmann said.
Tom Dermody, Mayor of the City of La Porte
Tom is a driver -- relentlessly passionate about everything he puts his mind to. When he tells you he’s excited for La Porte, you feel it. He shares that energy with us by helping us make an impact with and connect to positive people and stories in the city like he is one of our own team.
View past Good Life Awards here: https://nwi.life/article/good-life-awards-recognizing-the-great-people-in-great-news/
