Ent Credit Union is accepting nominations for an annual award celebrating Coloradans who go above and beyond to make an impact in their communities.

The Community Advocate Award, created in 2022, recognizes “individuals who demonstrate extraordinary dedication to helping others and create lasting change in Colorado communities,” according to a Tuesday news release.

Ent Credit Union officials conceived the $50,000 award in the aftermath of the Club Q tragedy in Colorado Springs. On Nov. 19, 2022, a gunman walked into Club Q, an LGBTQ+ nightclub, and opened fire with a rifle, killing five people and injuring 17 others. The death toll would almost certainly have been higher if not for the actions of Richard Fierro and Thomas James, who subdued and disarmed the assailant.

“One of our Ent team members and her husband were both shot that night,” said Annie Snead, Ent’s director of community advocacy. “(Fierro and James) saved not only our team member’s life, but countless others.”

For their courage and selflessness, James and Fierro each received a cash award from the credit union.

“It just seemed like a natural thing to keep it going,” Snead said. “How can we bring some light and love out of this awful thing, and continue to honor everyday heroes?”

Last year, after receiving dozens of nominations, the credit union selected four Coloradans, each of whom continue to make an impact in significant ways.

– Don Klinge, a resource officer at Jordahl Elementary School in Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8, coordinates an annual Christmas gift drive that benefits hundreds of local kids and their families.

– Zelna Joseph, executive director for Mission Medical Center in Colorado Springs, used her salary to help the provide free medical and dental care for the uninsured.

– Heather Greenwood, co-founder and co-owner of Gracefull Café in Littleton, established a restaurant that operates on a ‘pay as you can’ model, giving away 60% of their meals.

– Rebecca McDonald, a teacher at Oak Creek Elementary School in Colorado Springs, developed a behavior program and used her personal funds to provide food and snacks for her special-needs students.

“Those are the kinds of people we want to honor, and we know they’re out there,” Snead said. “We need Coloradans to be our eyes and ears for folks who are doing amazing things.”

The $50,000 award will either be granted to one winner or, in the event of multiple winners, shared among all selected nominees, the release stated.

Nominations will be accepted from Nov. 12-Dec. 31, officials said. Winners will be announced by the end of February.

To learn more about the Community Advocate Award, visit ent.com/community-advocate-award.