> SOUTHERN INDIANA — In return for good deeds, 33 local “Giants” will be honored Sunday for the large footprints they’ve made in their community.

Interfaith Community Council will be sponsoring the “Giants in the Faith: Celebrating Today’s Christian Role Models” luncheon today at the Huber’s Country Picnic Building in Starlight.

This will be the fourth year for the luncheon, honoring those who have made an impact on the lives of others, through their Christian faith. Honorees from 18 different churches will be represented this year.

“It’s gratifying to see how this event has grown, since people really are anxious to give God the glory and share appreciation for those who have helped them grow in their own Christian faith,” said Christine Harbeson, executive director of Interfaith Community Council.

“Giant” honorees — ranging in ages from 4 to 82 years old and either living or worshipping in Floyd County — were submitted by family, friends and fellow worshippers to the ICC for recognition at the luncheon. At 4 years old and 40 inches tall, “Giant” honoree Grayson Hammond, a member of Northside Christian Church, is the youngest of the “Giants” being honored Sunday.

Grayson’s mother, Julie, said when Grayson is not playing with his Thomas the Train toys or tackling the responsibilities of preschool at Christian Academy of Indiana/Junior Academy, he could be found tugging at his mom’s leg reminding her to donate to the Dare to Care bins at Kroger or downsizing his toy chest for toys to donate to Goodwill.

Grayson was submitted as a “Giant” by a friend of his parents, Cynthia Schultz.

Schultz said, “Who couldn’t fall in love with a preschooler who loves Jesus and already knows how to put others first?”

“When I heard that Grayson asked children invited to his birthday party last winter to bring canned goods for Interfaith [ICC] instead of gifts, I knew he was my ‘Giant’,” Schultz said.

Julie said for Grayson’s 3rd birthday party she asked him if it was OK with him for children to donate money, instead of gifts, for children at Hosparus — where Julie is a nurse. Grayson agreed and raised $200.

She also said when Grayson saw the coverage of the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake he came out of his room with toys to send to children in Haiti. His mother attributes these acts of generosity to his religious background and his understanding and willingness to be a servant for others who aren’t as blessed.

“I’m very proud of him,” Julie said.

Another “Giant” being honored today is Geneva Wilkerson, 82, a member of Second Baptist Church.

When Wilkerson is not spending time with her children and grandchildren, she devotes her time serving others through music. She said she began playing the piano at about 8 years old, when her father passed on his musical talent to her. Wilkerson has been playing the piano every Thursday morning for the past eight years during worship at the Autumn Woods Health Campus. She gets residents to praise, sing and clap by playing residents’ song requests like “If You’re Happy and You Know it …” and “When the Saints go Marching in.”

Wilkerson was submitted as a “Giant” honoree by her friend Marcia Booker, who said Wilkerson is a true Christian woman.

“She volunteers wherever she is needed,” Booker said, “always with a smile representing God’s grace and mercy in her life.”

Wilkerson serves many roles at Second Baptist Church, where she has attended her whole life. She is the music director, treasurer, helps with Bible study and has been a Sunday school teacher for 50 years. Wilkerson has been a member of the Church Women United for 39 years. Also, she has been a board member for the W.C. DePauw United Charities for 16 years.

Wilkerson said it’s important to spread the word, “God loves us all.”

“It brings joy and is very rewarding to help others,” Wilkerson said.

Fellow “Giants” also being honored today include:  Melanie Adams of Cherry Street Church of Christ; Nona Bell of Grace Lutheran; Charlene Clifford of Parkway Southern Baptist; the Rev. Billy and Mary Ellen Craddock of Centenary UMC; Joanne Day of Our Lady of Perpetual Help; Larry Dukes of DePauw Memorial UMC; Donna Eisert of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran; Angela Ford of Grant Line UMC; John and Martha Hartstern of Wesley Chapel; John Jones of StoneyPoint Christian; Ralph Kessans of Our Lady of Perpetual Help; Roger and Lois Ketterer of Centenary UMC; Pastor Bruce Kischnick of Grace Lutheran; Cecil and Joyce Knight of Wesley Chapel UMC; Steve and Marcia Latimer of Wesley Chapel; Wanda Parr of DePauw Memorial UMC; Dr. Garry and Carolyn Pate of Christ’s Community Church of the Nazarene; Marilyn Peel of Trinity UMC; Stephanie Piotrski of St. Marks UCC; David Schickel of St. Mary’s of Navilleton; Mark and Diana Warren of Grace Lutheran; Lee Ann Wiseheart of Graceland Baptist; and Joyce Woller of Silver Street UMC.

The “Giant” luncheon is sold out with 425 guests expected to attend. The luncheon will be from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Huber’s Country Picnic Building, located behind the Huber Family Farm and Restaurant. There will be special music by Donna and Vern Eswine.

Only attendees with reservations can be accommodated this year, due to being at capacity.

Sponsors include the ICC and supporting sponsors are Seabrook Dieckmann & Naville Funeral Homes and First Harrison Bank. The Tribune is the title sponsor.