Kirton & McConkie XO Awards
Celebrating extraordinary acts of kindness
The XO Awards were created to recognize everyday people who touch us with their caring and kindness. We want to thank those people who often go unrecognized as they serve those around them. They go about their lives helping others just because that’s who they are. They enrich our lives and inspire us to go that extra mile as well.
2009 XO Awards Recipients!
We are excited to announce this year's winners, who were recognized at the 4th Annual XO Awards Event on August 28, 2009 at the Gallivan Center in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah:
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Gail Blattenberger
For more than 13 years, Gail has volunteered at the Guadalupe schools teaching English to adult immigrants, despite a personal battle with multiple sclerosis. She has persevered in her weekly service, first using a cane, then a walker, a wheelchair and now a motorized wheelchair. She is an inspiration to her students and fellow volunteers who admire her will to press forward and her desire to serve.
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Talana Fawson
Talana has devoted more than two decades to nurturing young minds in Weber County through character development lessons as a school counselor. Talana has implemented a peer leadership program, and been awarded numerous grants in an effort to improve the counseling in her school. She also teaches parenting classes to struggling parents.
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Jessica Hamilton
Jessica, a college student, spent two years in India volunteering in leprosy colonies. She paid for the trips at her own expense by saving every penny to cover the costs. She has also volunteered at a local literacy center, battered women's shelter, served meals to the homeless, and participated in various charity fundraisers. In her many acts of service, she has come to believe that every single person has value.
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Kaziah Hancock
After painting a portrait of a Utah soldier killed in Iraq in 2003, Kaziah began to paint other fallen servicemen and women. As her vision expanded, she started Project Compassion, an organization of volunteer artists who paint portraits of fallen soldiers. Kaziah has personally completed 634 pieces, while her organization has framed and shipped 1,700 portraits to family members.
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Brian Tavoian
Brian, a dentist from Cedar City, travels to remote villages in Guatemala several times a year to provide free dental care for impoverished natives. Brian pays for all the drugs and equipment, and even purchased a portable dental unit that can drill and fill teeth. In many cases, he is able to alleviate suffering that has plagued patients for most of their lives.
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Cody Trotter
In addition to running a successful design and construction business, Cody has donated his time and resources to helping elderly, disabled or low-income individuals improve their living conditions. Cody believes he has an obligation to share his construction talents, and credits his success to his willingness to give service as often as he is able.
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2008 Winners | 2007 Winners | 2006 Winners |
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Learn More About the XO Awards Event
Kirton & McConkie and Bonneville International/KSL-TV have combined to provide a truly unique and memorable awards program the whole family can enjoy. Free food and entertainment are provided, and the awards program and video presentation are truly inspirational. For a taste of the XO Awards Program, click below to view a short video of last year's event.
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Learn More About the XO Awards Judging Process
Kirton & McConkie wants the winner selection process to be as unbiased and down to earth as possible. Instead of the typical selection panels of high-level executives or the famous and powerful, XO Awards judges are chosen from all corners of our community. Past judging panels have included a group from a senior citizen center, a college class, and one group even consisted of members of the Osmond family!
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 In addition to this website, you can also stay informed about the latest information by joining the Facebook Group:
XO Awards - Celebrating Extraordinary Acts of Kindness
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