The Shine the Light contest is celebrating its sixth year of recognizing volunteers who make a lasting difference in communities across Iowa. Sponsored by the Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives of Iowa, the statewide contest highlights individuals whose dedication, compassion and leadership strengthen local nonprofits, charities and community organizations.
Each June, member-consumers and employees of Iowa’s electric cooperatives are invited to nominate outstanding local volunteers through the contest website. Again this year, three winners will be selected and each will receive a $3,000 donation for their chosen charity or nonprofit organization. Nominations are open June 1-30 to volunteers of all ages, and past nominees who did not win may be nominated again. Entries require a short explanation of how the nominee has made a positive impact in the community.
As the Shine the Light contest enters its sixth year, here’s a look back at the winners and charities recognized during the past five years.
2021
Suzanne Askelsen | Ballard Education Foundation
Suzanne Askelsen of Cambridge was nominated by her mother, Carol Gilbert, a Midland Power Cooperative member. Suzanne was recognized for her work with the Ballard Education Foundation, serving on the steering committee and as the first president for four years. She helped identify sponsors and lead fundraising efforts while balancing life as a mother of six.
Marlene Walthart | Emmet County Animal Shelter
Marlene Walthart of Estherville was nominated by Dawn Eveleth, a member of Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative, for her work with the Emmet County Animal Shelter. Alongside her husband Larry, she has volunteered at the shelter for years and helped establish a nearby can redemption center to raise money for the facility.
Dr. George North | Wilder Park
George North of Allison was nominated by Deb McWhirter, a Butler County Rural Electric Cooperative member, for his work with Wilder Park. A retired dentist and longtime scout leader, George helped develop Wilder Park to provide affordable outdoor recreation opportunities in Butler County.
2022
Deb Johnson | Greater Fairfield Area Habitat for Humanity
Deb Johnson of Fairfield was nominated by Kathy Brown, a member-consumer of Access Energy Cooperative. An active volunteer, Deb uses her social work background to serve as a family support liaison for Greater Fairfield Area Habitat for Humanity. She is also known as the “Cookie Lady” for baking treats for student workers during home builds.
Sharon Van Beek | Buckets of Joy
Sharon Van Beek of Primghar was nominated by her daughter, Laura Leonard, a member-consumer of North West Rural Electric Cooperative. Sharon has coordinated holiday gifts for children in need for 30 years, continuing a tradition started by her in-laws. Buckets of Joy now distributes up to 250 bags each Christmas filled with clothing, books, snacks and other essentials.
Nicole Low | Eldora Community Garden
Nicole Low of Eldora was nominated by Midland Power Cooperative member Paul Lawler. Nicole co-founded the Eldora Community Garden to build community and provide fresh produce for people in need. A registered nurse and mother of two, she is passionate about public health and reducing food insecurity.
2023
Erica Lindaman | Gift of Giving
Erica Lindaman of Clarion was nominated by members and employees of Prairie Energy Cooperative. A fourth-grade teacher, Erica became involved with Gift of Giving during the pandemic to help provide holiday gifts for children. She now helps coordinate assistance for families needing clothing, food and household items throughout Wright County.
Betty Throndson | Project Flo
Betty Throndson of New Hampton was nominated by her sister, Shirley Hoffman, a member of Butler County Rural Electric Cooperative. Betty and her siblings started Project Flo in 2011 to honor their mother, Florence “Flo” Throndson. Each summer, volunteers repair homes throughout Chickasaw County, with Betty coordinating projects and work teams.
Heather Weers | Sleep in Heavenly Peace
Heather Weers of Center Junction was nominated by Megan Ruley, a member and employee of Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative. Heather founded the Jones County chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace in 2019 and has helped deliver more than 320 beds so children don’t have to sleep on the floor.
2024
Judy Hess | Moms and Grandmas for Fonda Inc.
Judy Hess of Fonda was nominated by Kerry Noethe, a member-consumer of Calhoun County Electric Cooperative Association. Judy was recognized for her work with MAGS 4 Fonda, a group focused on improving parks and the local pool. Since starting the organization in 2018, she has led creative fundraising efforts for local projects.
Doug Pralle | Compassion Flights
Doug Pralle of Hampton was nominated by Madison Alert, an employee of Franklin Rural Electric Cooperative. Doug founded Compassion Flights in 2017 to arrange free air transportation for medical treatment. Inspired by kindness shown to his family during his father’s illness, he now works to provide that same support to others.
Beth Thole | Osceola County Agriculture Pavilion
Beth Thole of Sibley was nominated by Gary and Karen Trei, member-consumers of Osceola Electric Cooperative. As a board member of the McCallum Museum, Beth has helped raise funds and preserve agricultural history through the Osceola County Ag Pavilion, which features a farmhouse, barn and historical artifacts.
2025
Chuck Bildstein | Chelsey’s Dream Foundation
Chuck Bildstein of Anamosa was nominated by Al Reiter of Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative. Chuck founded Chelsey’s Dream Foundation in memory of his daughter Chelsey to help families with adoption expenses and emotional support. Since 2014, the organization has helped more than 100 families adopt 141 children.
Gerry Holtrup | Partners for Patriots
Gerry Holtrup of Hospers was nominated by Molli Griffin, a member-consumer of North West Rural Electric Cooperative. Gerry was recognized for his work with Partners for Patriots, an organization that trains service dogs for disabled veterans. He leads fundraising and outreach efforts and also helps train and place service dogs.
Aimee Goeman McKnight | Build a Better Belmond
Aimee Goeman of Belmond was nominated by four member-consumers of Prairie Energy Cooperative. Aimee returned to her hometown in 2020 and became a leader in efforts to rebuild Belmond’s community swimming pool. Through Build a Better Belmond, she is helping raise funds to restore the pool as a key community gathering place.
Visit www.IowaShineTheLight.com to review the contest rules and submission guidelines.
Contest entries will be accepted at this website June 1-30.
