Thursday, November 3, 2016
Chase Park Plaza
212 N Kingshighway Blvd
Saint Louis, MO 63108
To register for the 3rd Annual Celebration of GRIT, click here.
Celebration of GRIT Nominations
Almost Home is dedicated to the simple but powerful belief that hard work, perseverance, and passion can conquer all obstacles. This is what GRIT is. This is what it takes for our young moms to escape the suffocating grip of generational poverty.
That’s why Almost Home honors the achievements of outstanding individuals in our community who have succeeded despite adversity and who inspire others to reach their highest potential. Almost Home is excited to host our 3rd Annual Celebration of GRIT awards to recognize individuals who demonstrate a commitment to excellence as exemplified by remarkable achievements accomplished through determination, character, and perseverance over adversity.
We want to celebrate those in the community who have shown the same drive, dedication, and enthusiasm that our young moms need to get out of poverty. Awardees should be extraordinary. Someone who has faced obstacles for years, even most of their life, whether it was in the pursuit of a better future or to exceptional athletic success. We all have the capacity for GRIT. We need it to be successful. Who do you know that doesn’t just possesses it, but actually embodies GRIT every day of their life?
2015 GRIT awardee, Michael McLaughlin spent his early years living in an abusive home. He later spent his young adult years living in a worn out camper in a camp ground while going to work and community college. No matter what challenge he faced, he continued to work toward his college degree. He never let anything stop him. He now has an MBA, is a PhD candidate at Washington University, and runs an organization that helps young people facing similar challenges. His persistence and dedication over years earned him the Celebration of GRIT Award and we are inspired by his resiliency. Through it all, Michael never blamed others or complained. He relied on himself and kept moving forward
Almost Home invites you to join us in recognizing those who make our community stronger and remind us of the limitless possibilities that we all possess.
Who do you know who remained focused on their goal for years and never let the challenges of life slow them down? Who do you know that inspires you to be your best and reach your highest potential? Who do you know with GRIT?
Nominations are now open, please submit your nominations by August 1, 2016.
Click Here to Nominate Someone Today
Please consider these categories as you write your nomination:
- Athlete – Someone who is more than talented. Someone who has worked hard to perfect their skill. Someone who has achieved success in their sport. If they are in a team sport, is an asset to their team and is committed to the team’s success as well as their own. These are athletes who are more than good, they are exceptional and you see it in their persistent and unyielding pursuit to becoming better.
- Entrepreneur – Someone who started with nothing more than an idea and has taken their business beyond anyone’s expectations. They experienced setbacks, wins, and failures but never stopped. They were committed to the success of their business and worked hard to make it happen.
- The Underdog – Someone who has been counted out, dismissed or expected to lose but they cannot be stopped. They are committed to succeeding and will do whatever it takes to win. They inspire you with their persistence and resilience. This is someone who amazes you every step of the way with their determination, hard work and achievements.
- Business or Corporate Award – A business that has survived challenges and adjusted to changes. A major change can be the end of a company or can at least halt their progress. What business do you know that took those challenges to learn and propel them to the next level?
Nominees for the Almost Home GRIT award should meet the following criteria:
- Has dedicated several years to overcoming obstacles and succeeded, despite set-backs
- Has accomplished a personal or professional goal that serves as an inspiration to others
- Possesses GRIT – passion and perseverance for very long-term goals
- Is a local St. Louisan or has ties with the St. Louis community
- Is at least 18 years old. Nominees may be male or female.
Please keep this in mind as you consider your nomination:
Think about how your nominee has demonstrated GRIT. Consider what obstacles they have overcome and if they have been working towards their goals for years. Have they experienced set-backs, but never let it stop them? Are their accomplishments inspirational? What impact have they made in our community?
Read through our nomination form before you begin your submission. We recommend you look at all the information requested before you begin filling out the form. You are encouraged to write out your answers in a word processing document first in case the form times out. Then you can copy and paste them into the form.
Tell us why your nominee has GRIT! Your nomination is the most important part of the process. Be thoughtful and tell us why you think your nominee deserves the GRIT award. You can enter your answers to the essay questions directly on the form, or write them first in a word-processing document and “cut-and-paste” them into each answer field.
Click “Submit.” If your nomination has been successfully transmitted, you will receive a confirmation that your nomination has been received. And yes, we read each and every one. Nominations will remain open through Monday, August 1, 2016.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is eligible to be considered for the Celebration of GRIT award?
A: Please review the awardee criteria. Nominations must be in the name of an individual. They must be at least 18 years old at the time of your nomination. Men and Women are eligible to receive the Celebration of GRIT award.
If you are submitting a company or business, the individual should be the individual we would contact for more information and to tell them they have been nominated.
Q: How will I know if my nominee is selected?
A: Because of the high volume of nominations received, we cannot respond individually to each submission. However, if your nomination advances, we will contact you and your nominee through the contact information you provide. You will receive an email notification that your submission has been received.
Q: What do I do if I don’t know my nominee’s contact information?
A: Please provide as much contact information as possible. We require either an email address or telephone number so we can contact your nominee.
Q: Can I send Almost Home more information about my nominee?
A: There is a section at the end of the form where you can enter links to articles and websites. We encourage you to add as much information to this section as you would like. You may also add any additional comments. Please do not send any other materials unless we request them.
Q: May I mail, fax, or call you with my nomination?
A: We require all requests be submitted through the online form. Mailed, faxed, and phone nominations will not be accepted.
Q: What do I do if I am unable to submit my form?
A: Certain fields are required in the form and are indicated with an asterik (*). Please make sure all required fields are filled out. If you have filled out all required fields and are still unable to submit your form, please contact 314-771-4663 x 403 or emccrary@almosthomestl.org
Almost Home is not responsible for technical problems that may prevent your submission from being successfully transmitted. We recommend you first write and save your answers to the nomination questions in a separate word processing document and then copy and paste into the nomination form.
Q: Can I buy tickets to the Celebration of GRIT?
A: Soon! Tickets for the Celebration of GRIT will be available in the fall. If you would like to make sure you are notified when tickets are available, please send your name, mailing address, and email address to emccrary@almosthomestl.org.