Kristy Teisher, licensed clinical social worker at UPMC and founder of EatShare, is honored as the 2026 Grand Prize Kindness Award winner. Through her professional work and her volunteer-driven nonprofit, she creates welcoming, stigma-free spaces where individuals feel nourished, valued, and connected.

Mark Rusanowsky, Columbia County Homelessness Liaison at Central Susquehanna Opportunities, is honored for meeting families experiencing homelessness where they are and ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect. Through advocacy and collaboration, he strengthens pathways to housing and reinforces that everyone belongs.

Kerry Tilford, RN, is honored for pairing compassionate care with meaningful action through her nonprofit, Magical Memories. By providing financial assistance and personalized support to children facing serious illness, she brings comfort, reassurance, and hope to families during life’s most challenging moments.

Ammon Young, Director of the Bloomsburg Public Library, is recognized for transforming the library into a safe, welcoming hub that supports mental wellbeing across all ages. From dementia programming to grief support and youth engagement, his leadership ensures every member of the community has a place to gather, learn, and feel valued.

Nominated four times by his neighbors, Matthew Ferry is recognized for the everyday acts of service that strengthen his community — from mowing lawns and plowing snow to checking in during life’s hardest moments. His small acts add up in a big way, bringing comfort, security, and connection to those around him.

Gaddiel Valderrama, a student at Shikellamy High School, is recognized as one of our inaugural Student Kindness Award winners. Nominated twice by his peers, he is known for consistently checking in on others, leading by example, and making classmates feel supported and included. His everyday actions are helping shape a stronger, more connected school community.

Nominated by Karla Alexander, Krunal Thakore exemplifies Kindness in Our Community through his work supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, mentoring youth, and strengthening collaborative partnerships across Danville. His consistent, humble service makes our community stronger every day.