John Hovanec exemplifies what it is to be a volunteer. Currently he serves as the board president of Loring-Nicollette Bethlehem Community Centers, a Minneapolis based non-profit that helps struggling members of society receive empowering education, GEDs and career counseling. He is also on the board of Catholic Elder Care, where he helps provides care for senior citizens in need. He is a husband, a father and a grandfather who values teaching people around him to live life with purpose, determination, meaning and honesty. His friends call him "Honest John".

John participates on many non-profit boards – and he gives to his community in numerous other compassionate ways as well. Here is just one example: When John’s daughter went to college she left her car for him to sell. John put an add in the paper and received a call from a man who spoke little English. The man said he had just relocated himself and his family to Minneapolis from Somalia. John showed him the car. When the man asked the price, John replied, "the car is a gift to you and your family”.

I believe that John deserves this award because he truly cares about the people in our world. It is rare to find someone today who wakes up every morning and says "how can I contribute?" This is how John begins his day and lives his life. He has been to almost every country in the world and is always searching for ways he can help. He gives his time and money to organizations that help people – but even more importantly, he provides them with his creativity, energy and vitality. John believes in people...and that belief is expressed with empowerment and encouragement.

John would most likely be a bit embarrassed to know I was nominating him. He is a humble man who never asks for anything, but always gives of himself. I have learned so much from him. His honesty and ingenuity at tackling problems are contagious.

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