Vote for Our 2026 Neighbor of the Year

Meet our finalists, learn what makes them stand out, and show your support with your vote. The winner will receive $20,000 as a thank you for everything they've given to the community around them.

*Maximum one vote per day until September 21, 2026.

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  Judi Carlson

  Dunwoody, GA

  Through Malachi's Storehouse, Judi Carlson has helped countless families in Dunwoody access food, clothing, and other essentials. She kept the Storehouse open throughout the pandemic despite significant challenges, ensuring no one went without support, and treats every client and volunteer with the same dignity and care.

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  Corey Everhart

  Clemmons, NC

  After the nominator's daughter passed away, the Everhart family moved in across the street and immediately stepped up, fixing both of the grieving family's cars and mowing their lawn without being asked. They offered this support while managing their own hardships, including cancer diagnoses, migraines, and children's health issues, and continue to look out for their neighbors.

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  Christina "Chris" Maier

  Sisters, OR

  Chris Maier has led her wildfire-prone Sisters neighborhood through a transformation toward disaster resilience, organizing cleanups, educating residents, advocating for policy change, securing grants, and helping neighbors preserve their insurance coverage. Her own home became the first in Oregon to earn IBHS Wildfire Prepared Certification, and she now shares those lessons with other neighborhoods.

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  Keith "Howdy" Matheny

  Hallsville, MO

  Howdy Matheny volunteers with Love Columbia's Car Coaching program, helping neighbors get back on the road by coordinating repairs, sourcing donated vehicles, and building community partnerships. He continues this work while managing pulmonary disease, networking and problem-solving to give neighbors everything he has to help them move forward.

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  Bob Nelson

  Saint Louis, MO

  Bob Nelson has been the heartbeat of Tower Grove South in St. Louis for years, organizing National Night Outs, Cinco de Mayo celebrations, and park beautification projects. His biggest achievement, the McDonald Dog Park, took nearly a decade of volunteer work and opened in April 2025 as the first fully accessible dog park in the St. Louis City park system.

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  Charice Paoli

  Lake Zurich, IL

  Charice Paoli dedicates her time to teaching children to ice skate at no cost, giving Lake Zurich kids a chance to learn a sport that might otherwise be out of reach. She also organizes "Try Hockey for Free" days and community donation drives, consistently finding new ways to give back through ice sports.

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  Kenneth "Kenny" Petersen

  Anchorage, AK

  Since 2012, Kenny Petersen has personally funded homeless outreach in Anchorage, and in 2025 he founded the Good Neighbor Fund to help house individuals, reunite families, and offer lasting support to those in need. He has inspired hundreds of others to serve and give back, uniting people from all walks of life around a shared commitment to their neighbors.

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  Samantha Ritz

  Merchantville, NJ

  As PTA Treasurer at two schools, Samantha Ritz gives countless hours to support students, families, teachers, and community fundraisers in Merchantville. A mom of three herself, she leads with compassion and selflessness, quietly stepping in wherever a need arises rather than seeking recognition, and helps strengthen both school communities.

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  Amy Troyer

  Green, OH

  Amy Troyer founded a special needs ministry at her church that has given families, including her nominator's daughter, a place to feel welcomed. Beyond her own congregation, Amy mentors other churches on how to start similar programs and leads a weekly Zoom Bible study for mothers of children with special needs.

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  Dr. Melita Walker

  Columbia, MO

  For over a decade, Dr. Melita Walker has run Columbia's Back to School Bash, providing free backpacks, clothing, food, haircuts, and health checkups to thousands of local families so no child starts the school year behind. A 20-year educator, she also co-founded The BOLD Academy, a nonprofit that empowers and mentors Columbia's youth.

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