Community award winners will be honored along with the best in local journalism at annual awards ceremony this fall
The best in local journalism will be celebrated this fall when the Press Club of Toledo hosts the 2024 Touchstone Awards at the Valentine Theatre on Thursday, Sept. 26. The ceremony is observing 26 years of commemorating the work of area journalists and communications professionals. Nominations are being accepted now through Monday, July 15.
In addition to giving journalism and communications awards, the Press Club of Toledo recognizes individuals for their service and contributions to the greater Toledo community at the ceremony. The 2024 community award honorees are:
Barbara Hendel, society editor at The Blade, is the recipient of the Norm Cartwright Award, which is named after a founding member of the Press Club of Toledo and honors outstanding efforts to promote the Press Club’s principles;
Ambrea Mikolajczyk, real estate developer and owner of ARK Restoration and Construction, is the recipient of the Contributor Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the community, specifically someone who has made a significant impact on the quality of life in Northwest Ohio over the past year;
Debra Monagan, president ex officio of Communica, is the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes a lifetime of outstanding contributions to the community in all aspects, including business, public service and philanthropy; and
Mark Zaborney, retired reporter from The Blade, is the recipient of the Golden Touchstone Award, which recognizes lifetime achievement in the field of journalism in Northwest Ohio.
Tickets for the 2024 Touchstone Awards are on sale now toledopressclub.com, with discounts available for Press Club members, nominees and students.
To be eligible for a 2024 Touchstone award, the work must have been produced or published between May 1, 2023 – May 14, 2024 and not submitted for previous Touchstone award consideration. There are over 20 categories across print, television, radio, social media and public relations to choose from. The fee per nomination is $10 for students, $25 for Press Club members and $75 for nonmembers. Nonmembers can also submit a nomination and become a first-time Press Club member for $50. Additional information about the nomination process is available at toledopressclub.com.
The Touchstone Awards is the sole fundraiser for the Press Club of Toledo’s scholarship fund. Two scholarships are awarded annually to students from The University of Toledo and Bowling Green State University who epitomize service and dedication to the profession of journalism.
The 2024 Touchstone Awards is supported in part by The Blade, Adams Street Publishing, Communica, Nuestra Gente Community Projects, Owens Corning, SSOE Group and media sponsor BCAN/BCSN.
