WEDU PBS Now Accepting Applications and Nominations for Coveted Annual Be More Awards

TAMPA, Fla. - Sept. 23, 2013 - PRLog -- For the 9^th consecutive year, WEDU, West Central Florida’s primary PBS station, is accepting applications and nominations that highlight the best work from area 501(c)(3) organizations, which will be celebrated at the February 20, 2014 WEDU Be More Awards ceremony and luncheon – an event that has become known as the “Academy Awards^©" for nonprofits.

Now through October 25, 2013, WEDU is accepting applications for non-profit organizations, both large and small. Online nominations in a variety of categories are also being accepted to recognize acts of generosity and kindness by volunteers and individuals throughout the Tampa Bay region.

“It was honestly one of the most fun days in my career. We were just so excited to be there. It was our first time being there at the ceremony. We were just thrilled to be around the caliber of non-profits that were there,” said Jesse Miller, Director of The Heart Gallery of Tampa Bay.

The Heart Gallery of Tampa Bay was chosen as 2013 Be More Unstoppable Non-Profit of the Year award winner and recipient of a $1,000 WEDU Community Investment Grant.

“It’s meant a great deal. It’s rare that this kind of work is really acknowledged in the public so first of all, it’s such an amazing honor,” said Miller. “Just to be acknowledged was so incredibly special.”

There is no charge to apply. The WEDU Be More Awards application and complete details can be found at wedu.org/bemore or by calling 800.354.9338 ext 2241.

Awards will be given in a variety of categories recognizing everything from Marketing Campaigns, Special Events, Educational Outreach, Arts and Culture, to Philanthropists and Volunteers.

“The driving force behind the WEDU Be More Awards is not just simply to recognize the tremendous work that our area organizations and volunteers provide, but also to help build awareness and understanding for these organizations that rely so heavily on the support of the community they serve,” said Allison Hedrick, WEDU Vice President of Communications.

WEDU Be More Awards Application Categories:
(Organizations must submit a completed application to be considered in these categories)

Be More Informed…Nielsen Marketing Campaign Award
Be More Entertaining…Special Events Award
Be More Brilliant…The Mosaic Company Innovation Award
Be More Enriched…Arts & Culture Award
Be More Knowledgeable…Educational Outreach Award

WEDU Be More Awards Nomination Categories:
(Individuals or organizations must submit an online nomination to be considered in these categories.)

Be More Relevant…Best Use of Video Award
Be More Involved…Mason Dixon Award for Volunteerism
Be More Vocal…Steve Otto, Voice of Tampa Bay Award
Be More Inspiring…Rising Star Award
Be More Entrepreneurial…C1 Bank Engaged Philanthropist Award
Be More Humble…Warren Averett People’s Choice Award
Be More Empowering…Small Nonprofit Award

WEDU Be More Awards Judges Categories:
(An independent judging panel will select the ultimate winner in these categories.)

Be More Positive…The Positively Tampa Bay Award
Be More Encouraged…Judge’s Choice Award
Be More Unstoppable…Nonprofit of the Year Award

The 2014 WEDU Be More Awards are sponsored in part by:
ABC Action News, The Bank of Tampa, Mosaic, The Tampa Tribune/TBO.com, Nielsen, Warren Averett CPA's and Advisors, C1 Bank, A La Carte Event Pavilion, AVSS, American Marketing,