WTCI is pleased to announce the finalists for the Be More Awards™, which celebrates the spirit of goodwill throughout the community by recognizing the impact and unsung heroes of area nonprofit organizations. Winners in six categories will be honored at the Be More Awards™ luncheon and awards ceremony on March 3 at The Chattanoogan. Judy Woodruff, senior correspondent for PBS NewsHour, will be the keynote speaker.

The community is invited to be a part of the Be More Awards™ by voting for the People's Choice Award at wtciTV.org through February 15. This prestigious award recognizes the local organization that is most connected to the community and the people it serves. Through online voting, local citizens will decide which organization, from a pool of nominees chosen by the judges, they feel most exemplifies the spirit of the community.

“WTCI has had a tremendous response from our nonprofit community for the inaugural Be More Awards™," says WTCI President and CEO, Paul Grove. "We are now asking our entire community to get involved by casting their vote for the People's Choice Award and attending the awards ceremony to celebrate the outstanding and often unrecognized efforts of individuals and nonprofit organizations."

WTCI has launched the Be More Awards™ in partnership with Allied Arts of Greater Chattanooga, the United Way’s Center for Nonprofits, and a volunteer committee co-chaired by Patti Frierson and Mary Kilbride, WTCI board member. A panel of civic, business and community leaders judged the applications, including Danna Bailey, Kathy Bingham, Sheila Boyington, Paul Brock, Pete Cooper, Beverly Cosley, Tom Griscom, Ellen Hays, Andrae McGary, Linda Mosley and Greg Vital. Local glass artist Christopher Mosey, owner of Ignis Glass Studio and Gallery, has created the awards for each category.

To bring further recognition to our nonprofit community, WTCI will produce a program featuring the award winners, which will air on WTCI.

Individual tickets and tables for the Be More Awards™ luncheon can be purchased at wtciTV.org or by calling 423-702-7814. Sponsors of the Be More Awards™ include Diversified Companies, LLC, Baker Donelson, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, Chattem, EPB, First Tennessee, Suntrust, and Chattanooga magazine.

Click here to see finalists and vote for the people's choice award!