The First 2012 Winner of Our Town, Our Heroes is…

February 28, 2012 10:11 am CT

After two weeks of close voting, we are pleased to name Brian Moody the Our Town, Our Heroes winner! Brian tallied more than 4,000 votes of all the votes cast in this round.

Brian’s nominator, Rob Kleiss, said Brian is a hero because of his extensive involvement in his community. According to Rob, Brian is essential to the people of Tuscola, Ill., volunteering and working in many different roles – volunteer fireman, city council member, assistant coroner, parade coordinator, economic development director – the list goes on! Brian empowers the people of Tuscola to roll up their sleeves and pitch in how they can in order to make a difference.

Congratulations Brian!

As the winner, Brian will receive a one-week loan of a Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac vehicle, as well as $500 in gift cards to help him continue driving positive change in his community. Brian’s nominator, Rob, as well as runner-up hero Mike Landacre and his nominator, Jordan Trump, will also receive one-week vehicle loans.

We received more than 14,000 votes in the inaugural round of Our Town, Our Heroes. The Driving the Midwest team was blown away by how many people read and responded to the stories of our finalists. To honor ALL our finalists for the contribution they are making to their communities, we’d like to gift a vehicle loan to Terron Edmonds, Gregg Heineman and Sarah Vargo. You are all truly heroes, and we salute and celebrate you!

Thank you to all the nominators for sharing the stories of your heroes with us – Rob, Jordan, Danny Lewis, Sally Heineman and Estrella Rosenberg.

Nominations for the second round of Our Town, Our Heroes will be accepted until Thursday, March 1 at 5:00 p.m. EST. We’re looking for inspirational teachers from across Illinois to spotlight as finalists, so nominate an influential educator in your life today! Click here for more information on this special round of heroes.