At the annual Celebrate Downtown event held Thursday evening, Downtown Fort Wayne recognized five outstanding individuals with the prestigious Unsung Hero Award, highlighting their contributions to the local community.

Honoring the Heart of the Community

Frank Howard, Chief Operating Officer of Downtown Fort Wayne, emphasized the importance of acknowledging those who work tirelessly behind the scenes. He believes the event is not just about the awardees but about celebrating the collective effort of the entire community. “We are always cultivating a coalition of the willing,” Howard said. “There are such great people in this community, all with the same goals and mindset.”

Howard’s favorite part of the event is recognizing the unsung heroes who go above and beyond in their work, contributing to the vibrant and thriving downtown area. “These individuals represent not just themselves but hundreds of thousands who get up every day, invest their time, talent, and resources to make our community a great place to live,” he said.

Unsung Hero Bryan Peterson’s Gratitude

One of the award recipients, Bryan Peterson, Executive Director of One World Medics, shared his gratitude for the support he receives from Downtown Fort Wayne. Peterson acknowledged that, with a budget as tight as a car payment, the funding they receive from the organization makes a huge difference for his work. “When we get the funds from them, it really helps—it goes a long way,” Peterson said.

A Look Toward the Future

Howard expressed excitement for the continued progress of Downtown Fort Wayne in 2025. “The whole team is excited to continue working to make downtown better every day,” he said. “It’s a real labor of love for all of us, and we just couldn’t be happier.”

With a clear focus on growth, collaboration, and supporting community-driven initiatives, Downtown Fort Wayne is eager to build on its success and keep making a positive impact for years to come.