The 13th annual Manni Awards are around the corner, and now is the time to nominate the individuals building and strengthening the Manitou Springs community – the leaders and volunteers acting on the public stage or in quieter ways – for an award in one of 10 categories.
This year’s categories are:
Adult Visionary Leadership
Artistic Endeavors
Business and Economic Vitality
Community Champion
Education and Learning
Environmental Stewardship
Health and Well-being
Beacon of Generosity
Public Service
Youth Visionary Leadership
On the nomination form, you’ll have a chance to explain in detail why you believe your nominee embodies the spirit of Manitou Springs and how they demonstrate outstanding service, collaboration, and leadership. The nominations close on Wednesday, Jan. 26.
Finalists will be profiled in an early March edition of the Pikes Peak Bulletin.
The winners will be announced and honored during the community potluck celebration at Manitou Springs City Hall (606 Manitou Ave.) starting 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19. (This is the correct date – it was changed due to a scheduling conflict).
The sponsors of the 2025 Manni Awards are the Manitou Springs Community Foundation, the City of Manitou Springs; Manitou Springs Women’s Club; Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce; Manitou Springs School District 14; the Creative Alliance Manitou Springs (CRANE); the Manitou Springs Kiwanis Club; and the Pikes Peak Bulletin.
The nomination form may be reached by going to Bit.ly/2025ManniNominationApp or by scanning the 2025 Manni Award QR code.
For more information, call 719-321-5354.
The Manni Awards was my intro to the real Manitou Springs
My introduction to Manitou Springs was at the Manni Awards last year. I’d been to Manitou Springs before – to hike the Incline, visit the MAC, go out to eat and browse the shops, stuff like that. I was acquainted with the place. But the Manni Awards are when I was, so to speak, formally introduced. It was there I first got a full-on look at Manitou’s community spirit, which I think must be one of the intangible qualities that makes the place exude a magnet-like pull on some of us. It’s a unique and vibrant community in a unique and vibrant land.
When we live in such a place – if we were born there or have lived there long enough that we’re lulled by the pattern of our days – we may stop noticing the beauty as much. It’s taken for granted, like water from the tap and the phone call from mom. Sometimes we need a guest to come in who does not take it for granted, who sees it with fresh eyes so that we do, too.
So let me tell you, in case you need a reminder: as a newcomer, Manitou’s community spirit is very, very special. When I was at the 2024 Manni Awards, it felt like being at a big extended family gathering, and even though it wasn’t my family I got to bask in the warmth of it for a few hours.
When I was at the 2024 Manni Awards, it felt like being at a big extended family gathering.
Yes, Manitou Springs has its issues. All communities do, just like all families do. But I’ve heard, time and again, that you rally when it counts. You don’t forget to have fun together (I’m already looking forward to when drum circle starts back up). And you have leaders – both official and informal, public-facing and in the background – who are deeply dedicated, and contribute time and talent, know-how and generosity, to make the magic of community happen.
The Manni Awards are such a great opportunity to recognize individuals who make community happen and, in the coming together to do this, generate more community magic.
So please cast your Manni Award nominations at Bit.ly/2025ManniNominationApp and mark your calendars for March 19, 5:30 p.m., at Manitou Springs City Hall. I look forward to seeing you there.
