After 68 years of Kiwanis Kapers, the Kiwanis Club of Bradford is launching a new signature event centered on recognizing those who serve the community.

The inaugural Kiwanis Champions Awards dinner will be held Nov. 14 at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. The event will honor individuals, organizations, first responders and young leaders whose service strengthens the Bradford area, particularly through work benefiting children and families.

“For 68 years, Kiwanis Kapers held a special place in the history of our club and our community,” said Mark Young, president-elect of the Kiwanis Club of Bradford. “We ultimately recognized that we could no longer support Kapers at the scale and quality that tradition deserved, and that other organizations may be better equipped to produce that kind of show. At the same time, we saw a new opportunity to bring the community together and shine a spotlight on people and organizations whose extraordinary work often goes unrecognized.”

Rather than attempting to recreate Kapers on a smaller scale, the club developed a distinct annual tradition focused on service, gratitude and community pride. Organizers hope to uncover local stories that are rarely told and give residents an opportunity to thank those who help children, families and neighbors.

Four awards will be presented:

• The Brighter Future Award will recognize an organization whose work has made a meaningful difference in the lives of local children or families.
• The Valor Award will honor courage and service, particularly among first responders and public-safety professionals.
• The Everyday Hero Award will recognize an unsung community member who consistently helps others without seeking recognition.
• The Rising Star Award will honor a young person demonstrating leadership, compassion, initiative and a commitment to service.

Public nominations will open soon. Residents, schools, nonprofit organizations, first-responder agencies, youth groups, faith communities, service organizations, businesses and civic leaders will be invited to recommend deserving individuals and organizations.

Nominees will be evaluated on their commitment to service, community impact, initiative and the lasting value of their contributions. The club is especially interested in recognizing work that has received little public attention.

“This event asks a simple question: Who are Bradford’s champions?” Young said. “The stories are already here. Our job is to help find them, recognize them and give the community a chance to say, ‘We saw what you did, and it mattered.’”

Tickets will cost $50 and include dinner, entertainment and the award presentations. Proceeds will support Kiwanis scholarships, youth programs, Key Club activities, community partnerships and other projects serving local children and families.

Information about nominations, ticket sales, sponsorship opportunities and event programming will be announced in the coming weeks. Additional details are available at bradfordkiwanis.com/kiwanis-champions-awards.