Yes! There is no assigned seating for this event, so you can sit with whomever you choose. 

Nominations close on March 8. Our Gala Board will then review all nominations and as winners are selected, they will be notified. 

The attire for the SOAR Gala typically leans towards formal, but there are certainly attendees who opt for a slightly more relaxed yet professional appearance. Check out photos to see what attendees wore.

This award acknowledges a business leader whose exemplary leadership has been instrumental in building a successful business/corporation in Appalachia Kentucky.

You can nominate someone HERE.

The recipient of the Appalachian Leadership Award is an individual recognized for their exceptional leadership and contributions impacting the region.

You can nominate someone HERE.

The Appalachian Humanitarian Award honors individuals or organizations dedicated to advancing social causes throughout Appalachia Kentucky, encompassing a broad spectrum such as poverty alleviation, addressing food insecurity, improving housing conditions, enhancing educational access, and more.

You can nominate someone HERE.

The City of the Year Award acknowledges a city or municipal government actively fostering opportunities for its residents and strategically attracting new citizens, talent, and industries through innovative and collaborative initiatives.

You can nominate someone HERE.

The County of the Year Award acknowledges a county government actively engaged in creating opportunities for its citizens and attracting new residents, talent, and industries through innovative and collaborative approaches.

You can nominate someone HERE.

The Appalachian Recovery Award is bestowed upon an individual, group, or organization actively engaged on the frontlines, offering opportunities for recovery to those affected by Substance Use Disorder. This award celebrates initiatives focused on training, employment, educational pathways, family support, and community impact, highlighting the transformative power of collaborative efforts and innovative approaches.

You can nominate someone HERE.

This award is given to a high school or college student who has impacted their school, college/university, and/or community through academic excellence and community service.

You can nominate someone HERE.

The Connect Appalachia Award honors individuals, groups, or organizations dedicated to advancing broadband connectivity, enhancing digital equity, supporting remote work, promoting digital literacy, and other related initiatives.

You can nominate someone HERE.

The Healthy Communities Award acknowledges the efforts of an individual, group, or organization actively working to combat health disparities in Appalachia Kentucky.

You can nominate someone HERE.

The Downtown of the Year Award honors a downtown or Main Street organization dedicated to supporting existing businesses, attracting new enterprises, and engaging in collaborative beautification initiatives, including enhancing downtown Wi-Fi access.

You can nominate someone HERE.

The Tourism Organization of the Year Award acknowledges a local or regional tourism agency demonstrating creative efforts in promoting existing tourism assets and simultaneously developing capacity to generate new opportunities for attracting visitors to Eastern Kentucky.

You can nominate someone HERE.

The Startup of the Year Award is presented to a small business or startup that has initiated or expanded its operations by harnessing innovation and technology to reach customers beyond the confines of Appalachia Kentucky. A startup is defined as a business in operation for five years or less.

You can nominate someone HERE.

The Appalachian Teacher of the Year Award is presented to a high school or college teacher or professor who has left a lasting impact on their educational institution and community, demonstrating a commitment to academic excellence and notable contributions through community service.

You can nominate someone HERE.

This distinguished award honors a lifetime devoted to the preservation, promotion, and enhancement of the unique cultural, artistic, and historical heritage that defines Appalachia.

You can nominate someone HERE.