Bedford Get Together is a private, non-profit organization devoted to creating opportunities for all current and future community members to enhance their awareness, open-mindedness and respect.

As a part of this mission, we annually recognize those who work tirelessly within the greater Bedford community to achieve our vision: a community united through understanding, trust, kindness and respect.
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We have accepted nominations for awards in the following categories:

• ​Local non-profit organization
• Local business
• Local individual
• Lifetime achievement award

Winners of the 2025 Community Service Awards

Thank you for helping us publicly commend those who make Bedford a better place to live, work and play!

Local non-profit: Bedford Area Educational Foundation

Individual: Nicole Johnson

Local business: The Blue Lady
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Lifetime Achievement Award: Dan Villareal

Local Non-Profit
Bedford Area Educational Foundation - Kelly Graham-Brown, Jay White and Ryan Steffen w/BGT chair Heather Dooley

Since 2002 Bedford Area Educational Foundation  has donated more that $600,000 and provided over 550 grants to elevate education in our community for today’s students and educators and tomorrow’s leaders.  
The Bedford Area Educational Foundation is more than just funding - they are a lifeline for teachers and staff, turning innovative ideas into real opportunities for the students and our community. Their support fuels creativity, enriches classrooms, and ensures that every student in Bedford County Public Schools has the best possible learning experience. - Nomination by Sara Braaten

Local Business
The Blue Lady - Jai Ippolito w/Susan Raper

Jai and his staff:

• Decorate the Town Center Park for various Holidays 
• Donate Chocolate & Food Trays for functions around town
• Donate to Food Pantries
• Organize an annual Holiday Toy Drive
• Donate Gift Certificates to assist other non-profits, local businesses, and individuals with their fundraising events
• Volunteered and painted the light posts in the downtown area.
• Prepare Thanksgiving Dinners for all the women at the domestic violence shelter. 
• Purchase toys for the children living at the shelter during Christmas.

                                                                                 - Nomination by Susan Raper

Individual
Nicole Johnson w/Crystal Johnson

Nicole has been the Director of Tourism for Bedford County since 2017. She has written numerous articles to promote Bedford that have been published in local, regional and national publications. Organizational achievements include the implementation of the Destination Bedford tourism marketing campaign, and three awards including the Bedford Area Welcome Center “Community Impact Award” in 2020 and also being named “Visitor Center of the Year”. Also in 2020, Destination Bedford won best small budget multi-media campaign with Where Ordinary Ends…Bedford Begins. She is now battling breast cancer and is still working and supporting small local businesses. You always see her sharing local food trucks, small businesses, and vendor events. - Nomination by Crystal Johnson

Lifetime Achievement
Dan Villareal w/Crystal Johnson

Dan is a true American hero. He served in the marines for years and is a Korean War veteran. He was a police officer for a number of years as well. Dan is well known in the community and always makes Bedford proud. He can be found at any local gathering relating to the military. He gives to his community and loves his country without hesitation. - Nomination by Crystal Johnson