Even in a room with more than 200 people, it's hard not to recognize Vera Kelly's laugh, hug, and connection with others.
"She is just a people person," said Vera's friend, Janet Woods-Bragg. "She works with all people of color because she believes in everybody having a right to life and pursuit of happiness."
It's just one reason why Vera became the fourth of eight nominees for the Jefferson Awards, on behalf of WQAD and Genesis Health System.
The other reason is the vital role Vera plays in the Quad City community. She is the President of the Davenport NAACP, on the Davenport Civil Rights Commission and Advisory Panel for Racial Profiling, a long-time member at Third Missionary Baptist Church, involved in the Davenport Community School District, and helps with the Toys for Tots Program every year.
"She doesn't get paid for any of this stuff," said Vera's son, Tim Kelly. "You can always call her first and she'll always be the last one to leave."
"It's all volunteer," added Janet. "She does it because she loves it and she loves people."
"I've been involved because a lot of people stand back and they wait for something to happen," explained Vera. "But I'm the one who walks in and wants it to happen and I want to move forward and let people know that I am for real. I do have a heart."
Vera's heart is what led to her friendship with so many people, including now President Barack Obama. Vera says she would take care of Obama's team when they needed something to eat or somewhere to stay while campaigning in our area. She's also taken a bus full of people to both of Obama's inaugurations and helped with his "Get Out The Vote" efforts.
However, the biggest service to our community may just be Vera's voice.
"She's that person that will speak up for the underdog so if something is going wrong, she will definitely give somebody a voice or help them have a voice to make sure they are heard," said Tim.
"Everybody has a voice and you should use it," added Vera.
"I'm a people person. I just love people and that was the way I was raised. My parents always told me never look down on nobody because everybody is somebody."
WQAD will be introducing you to a new nominee every month. Then, next Spring, we’ll choose just one to represent our area at the National Jefferson Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C.
The Jefferson Awards are the country’s longest standing and most prestigious celebration of public service. Past winners include Chad Pregracke, Walter Cronkite, Steve Jobs, Paul Newman, and Michael Bloomberg.