Meet The 2024 Everyday Hero Finalists

We are honored to introduce our three finalists for our Everyday Hero Award for 2024, an award that recognizes and celebrates our customers who give back to their communities and make a difference in the lives of others! It wasn’t easy narrowing it down to the top three, and we thank everyone for submitting their nominations. The Everyday Hero Award is something we are proud to do every year, and it always leaves us inspired on what further work we can each do in our own communities. We hope these stories will continue to inspire us and future contestants alike.

When Richard VanDeWalle moved to Theodosia, Missouri, to establish his hardware store, he was shocked to learn that not only did his community of around 200 people not have their own official fire department, but their volunteer fire department is the only group of first responders in the entire county. Richard comes from a family of helpers, so naturally, once he and his wife became familiar with the Theodosia Volunteer Fire Department’s situation, they jumped into action. From holding breakfasts, garage sales, and holiday-themed events, Richard and his wife have done more than help provide crucial funds for their local fire department; they also brought their community together.

With the support of his community, they’ve raised over $20,000 required to repair two broken-down fire trucks and acquired a Jaws of Life hydraulic rescue tool. But the work that Richard and his wife, Amanda, have done in Theodosia goes beyond raising funds for the fire department. They have turned themselves into pivotal members of their community that have not only brought everyone closer together but have set an example to follow.

Rachel Schoolfield has a big heart for justice. She is an activist, volunteer, and educator on human trafficking. Many people are afraid to discuss the topic, some people only know some aspects of the issue, and most people simply don’t know how far it goes. Rachel is not afraid. She is a volunteer for the Coalition Against Trafficking and Exploitation located in Jefferson City, Missouri. When she began getting informed about how close to home human trafficking can be, she jumped at the opportunity to get involved. Rachel has held educational meetings for her local community, met with survivors, and volunteered to drive them places and help them get on their feet. She has even campaigned and met with local leaders and the governor of Missouri to draft legislation that will further protect and prevent victims of human trafficking.

Rachel’s work is an inspiration to her peers and coworkers. She is determined to combat this issue at all levels and reminds us that there are things we all can do to combat a global issue that we sometimes lose sight of because of how hidden it remains.

After Christie Stier received an unforeseen diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), the family rallied together to make the most of the time they had left with their mother. ALS can be a devastating disease with only a few ways to fight it. This is what inspired the Stier family to jump into action and start the Christie Memorial Golf Tournament, which has raised over $1.1 million to support the ALS foundation in their vital research toward a cure. The most recent golf tournament was on Sept. 23. with over 240 golfers participating. Three years later, they started the Fanny Pack Foundation, inspired by their late mother, who always wore a fanny pack. This organization offers assistance for individuals diagnosed with ALS, like how their mother always had what she needed in her fanny pack and the opportunity for memory-making trips. They are hoping to further their cause by being able to provide direct support to families in need facing ALS and providing them with financial assistance, medical support, and, most importantly, memories.

The spirit of helping in the Stier family has been passed down from their mother, from entertaining the neighborhood kids during the summer to helping multiple women who fell on hard times over the years. She provided people in her life with wonderful experiences and the Stiers set out to do the same for those families in the most crucial moments.

We’re amazed by the work that this year’s finalists are doing and are excited to have such incredible people embodying the Everyday Hero spirit. The purpose of Everyday Hero is to recognize the efforts that those around us, often everyday people, are making. We hope this inspires others—maybe you-- to get involved and make a difference, no matter how big or small.

We will be announcing the winner at our Connect Customer Conference in November. Stay tuned!