Manitou Springs is a community where people care. We can work together even though we all have differing views of life. Our collaborative spirit is demonstrated in the way all of the city’s important social institutions come together for the Manni Awards.
It’s rare to find a town in which the city government, school district, chamber of commerce, local newspaper, local arts organizations and even local social philanthropic groups work together to acknowledge the people who go out of their way to help others and improve the town.
Once a year, Manitou Springs gathers to recognize community leaders, volunteers and champions who have given outstanding service and demonstrated the ability to collaborate with and inspire others to manifest Manitou’s community vision. The town created the Manni Awards and this celebration to acknowledge these special community-minded people and businesses.
The awards are given in categories based on the community visions stated in the town’s master plan. They are Artistic Endeavors, Education and Learning, Environmental Stewardship, Business and Economic Vitality, Health and Well-being, Community Champion, Public Service, Movers and Shakers, Youth Visionary Leadership and Adult Visionary Leadership.
Each one is truly a special person.
The awards are given at a ceremony after a fantastic potluck dinner. The potlucks are famous, fun and consistently draw around 200 people.
The sponsors are the city of Manitou Springs government; Chamber of Commerce, School District 14; Pikes Peak Bulletin, Creative Alliance Manitou Springs, the Manitou Springs Women’s Club and the Manitou Springs Community Foundation.
Each year, the awards committee asks the public for nominations of people who are making a positive difference in their neighborhood and town. They look at what residents, businesses and employees, have accomplished by volunteering, giving service, or going above-and-beyond work expectations to make life better in Manitou.
This year, 109 nominations came in for the 2024 Manni Awards. The sponsors had the difficult job of selecting 30 finalists.
For the next three weeks, we will present the finalists’ photos and short biographies in the Bulletin. They are all winners. Each one is a truly special person who deserves recognition for all they do.
At the March 15 festivities, 10 winners will be announced.
Manitou Springs maintains its sense of small-town connection while sharing it with our summertime tourists and Colorado Springs visitors. We actively work to respect our differences and to find solutions to our small-town problems and beyond.
It takes a lot of listening and compromise to get things done right. Mistakes are sometimes made and corrected. Trust is grown slowly by working together and helping each. The Manni Awards are a manifestation of goodwill and community pride.
The Peaks Peak Bulletin and all the sponsors invite you to join your neighbors and Manitou lovers for a special night, where the best of Manitou Springs is on display.
The Manni Awards celebration creates an awareness of gratitude for Manitou Springs volunteers and visionary community leaders. Connecting our neighbors, who are committed to make life better, imparts a special joy.
IF YOU GO
The potluck starts at 5:15 to 5:30 p.m. Friday, March 15, in City Hall/Memorial Hall (606 Manitou Ave.) and the awards ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m. Michael Galvin will provide live music. If you can’t attend, the event will be streamed live at youtube.com/@manniawards.