CENTURY 21 ELITE celebrates the extraordinary with The Relentless Campaign. In a community of exciting projects, progressive movements, and exponential growth, relentless leaders and community members are found at its core. Now more than ever, we want to recognize these leaders. The Relentless Campaign aims to celebrate those making waves in the Wabash Valley Community by honoring individuals, businesses, and organizations who truly give the word "relentless" its meaning. This month, we are excited to announce our first honoree of The 2023 Relentless Campaign, an organization who truly gives 121%.
The Heart of Sullivan is an Indiana Mainstreet Affiliate mainstreet group focused on creating a vibrant sustainable community for current and future residents within the community. The Heart of Sullivan is fully operated by volunteers who focus on the economic development and revitalization of downtown Sullivan, while continuing to give back to the community we serve. The Heart of Sullivan was developed in late 2015 becoming a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in early 2017. Since the development of the non-profit organization, they have worked to draw visitors to the downtown area to support current and future businesses. Kristi Burkhart, President of Heart of Sullivan had this to say, “We have supported many projects in partnership with the City of Sullivan, all while working to enhance the quality of life for residents within the community. Our small group of dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to create a community where we are proud to live and raise families. Throughout the year, fundraisers are hosted to fund ongoing community projects and our Christmas event which allows us to give back to the community who supports us. This event in partnership with downtown businesses allows us to create a weekend of fun, free activities for families in our community, while providing children visiting with blankets and socks. Our members enjoy the opportunity to give back to the community we love and hope to ensure a community that our future generations can take pride in.”
Heart of Sullivan does so much, their standing yearly events include Dueling Pianos in February (fundraising for our Christmas event), Mental Health Awareness 5k run in May (proceeds are donated to enhance mental health services within our community), Taste of Sullivan in October (to spotlight area restaurants), and Sullivan Downtown Christmas (to bring visitors downtown to engage with businesses and to give back to the community). Each of these events are held in downtown Sullivan to encourage residents to visit downtown more often. Outside of these standing events, each year the projects vary, and they often add in an event here and there. They have an exciting project in the works, but we are holding off until spring to announce it! They need some spring weather to complete the project!
Kristi says, “I think the biggest thing I can say about this group of people is, they are truly dedicated to our community. Every member works a full-time job and volunteers countless hours a year to positively impact our community. The Heart of Sullivan wouldn’t exist without our volunteers.” Special Thank You to our current members Tony Burkhart, Beth Pearison, Logan Pearison, Jen Petty, Jamie Lamb, Austin Burkhart, and Destiny Walker.
We are honored to recognize an extraordinary dedicated organization like Heart of Sullivan. CENTURY 21 Elite will continue to recognize relentless individuals, businesses, and organizations like them in 2023. Nominate a relentless individual, business, or organization that gives their dedication, time, and expertise within the Wabash Valley community at The Relentless | Century 21 Sullivan.