Nominate local folks working selflessly for their community for our 7th annual philanthropy issue

Every summer, a team of us here at the Inlander get together and pore over dozens of heartwarming stories about people living in the Inland Northwest who are giving so much of their time and energy toward making this region a better place to live, work and explore.

Narrowing the list down to just three people to be recognized in the pages of our annual philanthropy issue is always a challenge — each year there are so many individuals deserving this spotlight.

Now, for the Inlander's seventh annual Peirone Prize — named after Inlander owners' Ted and Jer McGregor's grandparents, Joe and Alice Peirone — we're seeking your input on who we should honor this year.

Do you know someone who is working tirelessly in the arts, social justice, human welfare, youth, education, wellness/nutrition, the environment, animals or another nonprofit-focused area? Please tell us!

While we know there are many people of all backgrounds and ages working selflessly in these areas, we specifically seek to honor individuals under or around the age of 40.

We'll be accepting nominations, which can be submitted online at inlander.com/give2017 via this form, or sent to [email protected], through Friday, Aug. 3. After narrowing down the list to three people, we'll profile them in our 2017 Give Guide issue, on stands Aug. 24. Recipients of the Peirone Prize also receive a cash award as our way of thanking them for their efforts in the community.

If you have questions about the guide or nominations, please contact this year's section editor, Chey Scott, at [email protected].

For some inspiration, check out our profiles on the past two years' winners:

2016
• Teri Koski, president of NAMI Spokane, who often references her own struggles with mental health to show others they're not alone.
• Dylan Stiegemeier, a local conservation enthusiast whose efforts have spread worldwide.
• Ryan Oelrich, who helps local at-risk kids and homeless families.

2015
• Stephanie Boyle, who helps people with developmental disabilities live more independent lives.
• Rebecca Schroeder, a champion for families dealing with the effects of cystic fibrosis.
• Jessie Isadore, a member of the Kalispel Tribe who's helping save her people's language.