Watch the full Positively Milwaukee Awards show LIVE here starting at 7 p.m.:
They aren’t household names. They aren’t captains of industry. But the seven unsung heroes that TODAY’S TMJ4 will honor during the inaugural Positively Milwaukee Awards on Friday are certainly making a big impact in Southeastern Wisconsin.
From a retired grandmother in Racine who has dedicated her life to feeding the hungry, to a Glendale couple that has fostered 70 children, the award recipients have one thing in common -– a seemingly endless capacity to give back.
The special airs from 7-8 p.m. on TODAY's TMJ4 and will be streamed live right here on TMJ4.com. It was recorded at the Harley Davidson Museum earlier this month
Carole Meekins, the host of the upcoming special, says the show highlights what’s right in the world.
“We’re inundated with negative information these days. To be able to shine a light on local people who do such good ... well, that’s truly an honor and a privilege,” Meekins said. “This is definitely TV the whole family can watch.”
In addition to the seven honorees, the Milwaukee Bucks’ Jabari Parker received the Positively Milwaukee Beacon Award for his work with Milwaukee Public Schools, and former TODAY’S TMJ4 anchor/reporter Bill Taylor received the Founders Award for launching the “Positively Milwaukee” news segments in the early 1990s.
Here is the list of the positive people who will be honored during the televised ceremony:
- Kitonga Alexander – a former classroom teacher who has made it his life’s mission to help give men a second chance at success after incarceration.
- Sharon Wilczynski – an inspiring senior who keeps one of Racine’s busiest food pantries running smoothly.
- Colleen DeLisle – a W aukesha teenager changing the world one book at a time with her focus on kids and literacy.
- Dr. Kenneth Harris, Jr. – a retired Milwaukee Police Lieutenant who now devotes his life to community service and shaping young lives.
- Robin and Leroy Harmon – a Glendale couple that fostered 70 children and works tirelessly to keep families together.
- Mark Scholz – a West Bend man who passed away this year but left behind an inspiring legacy of community service.
Each winner receives $1,000 for the charity of their choice. The surprise “Inspiration of the Year” honoree receives an additional $1,000 for their charity.
The event was sponsored by Heiser Automotive Group and the Scripps Howard Foundation.
