Dear editor and fellow citizens of Manitou Springs,
Amid the bustling charm and mountain vistas of our beloved town lies a spirit that doesn’t just reside in the heart – it sings, it flourishes, it invites us into a dance of unity. The Manni Awards, as Heila Ershadi wonderfully expressed in last week’s Pikes Peak Bulletin, introduce us to Manitou Springs’ vibrant community spirit – the je ne sais quoi that makes our town a magnet for the soul.
As a city that embraces the beauty of communal harmony, we have an opportunity to pioneer an initiative that encapsulates the essence of our heartwarming connectivity: the Infectious Generosity Movement. Enshrined by a recent Proclamation by the City Council, this movement invites us all to become architects of hope, crafting a future imbued with gestures that uplift and unify.
With the launch of the Beacon of Generosity Award at the upcoming Manni Awards on March 19, we champion the unsung heroes amongst us. We honor the individuals who have inspired us by turning acts of kindness into a community symphony. In doing so, we set the stage to be recognized not just as the embodiment of Colorado’s community spirit, but as leaders of a global movement.
Your call to action? Join us. Bring forth the stories and nominations of those who weave generosity into day-to-day life. Submit your Manni Award nominations via Bit.ly/2025ManniNominationApp. Save the date to partake in an evening that feels like “a big extended family gathering.”
To amplify our voice, consider hosting a book club where Chris Anderson’s “Infectious Generosity” can be a touchstone for discussion on how we can continue to cultivate this fertile land with altruism. Or welcome friends at home or a local haunt to weave strategies and share tales that would make Manitou Springs a beacon of giving.
Our potential is vast – this movement isn’t just about charity, but about reawakening the joy in connecting and sharing that which is invaluable: our time, talent and attention. It’s about the ripple effects that one act of kindness can have throughout our community.
Let us cherish and uplift the individuals and organizations that have and continue to hearten our town through their compassionate deeds. It’s time to make Manitou Springs synonymous with Infectious Generosity, one warm heart at a time.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you on March 19, with the hope that each attendee leaves with not just a sense of pride in our town but with a renewed commitment to being a carrier of generosity. For more details, or to start a wave of kindness, feel free to reach out to me, Ken Jaray, at 719-660-4217 or kenjaray@gmail.com.
In unity and anticipation,
Ken Jaray
