ONEONTA — Helios Care has opened nominations for the fourth annual Dr. Yoshiro Matsuo Compassionate Care Award, recognizing residents whose quiet acts of service have strengthened communities across Otsego, Delaware and Schoharie counties.
The award honors individuals who demonstrate the qualities exemplified by the late Dr. Yoshiro Matsuo — leadership, compassion, selfless service and a lasting commitment to others. Matsuo served as the original clinical physician for the three-county hospice organization, volunteering his medical expertise for more than 25 years.
Anyone who lives or works in Otsego, Delaware or Schoharie counties is eligible to be nominated. Nominations are being accepted through Aug. 28.
The goal of this award is to recognize those who contribute tirelessly to their communities, usually without acknowledgment or fanfare, said Kathryn Dailey, Helios Care’s director of development and marketing. These individuals go above and beyond in their various involvements bettering our communities, and they deserve to be celebrated, she said.
The recipient will receive a $500 cash award, a commemorative trophy and permanent recognition on a plaque displayed in the Helios Care lobby. The winner will also be honored during Helios Care’s annual fall benefit concert, Oneonta’s Got Soul, on Oct. 9 at Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center in Oneonta, where all nominees will be recognized at a reception before the award presentation.
Last year’s recipient was Dr. Carol Beechy, selected from a field of 16 nominees representing a broad cross-section of community service. The nominees included food pantry volunteers, Sunday school teachers, civic leaders, founders of senior citizen organizations, physicians, nurses, librarians, clergy members, in-home caregivers and individuals who organized charitable fundraising through local sporting events.
Helios Care officials said they expect even more nominations this year as awareness of the award continues to grow.
Those wishing to nominate someone can complete an online nomination form at https://helioscare.org
The organization also encourages the public to attend the Oct. 9 benefit concert, where proceeds will support Helios Care patients and their families. Tickets, priced at $20, will include the concert, award presentation and silent auction.
