NORFOLK, Neb. -- Gathered by friends, family, and her beloved Norfolk community. Rachael Hoefer, a pillar of hope in Madison County was recognized as Norfolks Person of the year.

The award is designed to honor individuals who have made Norfolk and the area a better place over the past 12 months. The goal of the recognition program is that the recipients will serve as an inspiration for others.

Several nominations were cast in Rachael Hoefer’s favor. Hoefer, who has an 11-year-old son with autism, wanted to give individuals like her son the chance to play a game, and socially interact with a team.

“One of the many reasons buddy baseball was chosen above others, is because of the distance many parents have no hesitation of driving,” Buddy Baseball board member Beth Libra said. “People will drive half an hour, 45 minutes, or sometimes longer because not every small town can offer an inclusive sporting activity for kids. So it's really built a sense of community.”

“I was definitely overwhelmed with gratitude and extremely touched by all the very nice people,” Buddy Baseball President Rachael Hoefer said. “Special needs people are just people. They just want to be treated like everyone else, and the biggest thing with our program is, there is no judgment, nothing. So, it's all in fun.”

“Rachael will receive a frame of her picture and story that recently ran in the daily news last September highlighting her accomplishments,” Norfolk Daily News Chief Editor Tim Pearson said. “Instead of a plaque or a trophy, we felt this was more meaningful to take home and hang wherever she might choose.