Circle of Caring Award Dinner 2025
The third Circle of Caring Award Dinner will take place on Wednesday, November 5 and honor Cindy Hawkins
The 2025 Circle of Caring Award Dinner will posthumously honor Cindy (Bontrager) Hawkins in recognition of her lifelong service and commitment to her community. Diagnosed in June of 2023 with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, Cindy entered chemotherapy, radiation and other treatments. In April of 2024, along with her family, Cindy made the decision to enroll in the services of Center for Hospice Care, who made arrangements for her to be cared for and comfortable at the family home. She passed away on May 8, 2024 surrounded by her family.
That family home, where Cindy’s circle of life began and ended, was also the birthplace of the Jayco RV company – founded by her parents Lloyd and Bertha Bontrager – and many a family meal. A mother of four (daughters Alli and Abbi and sons Mitch and Kevin), she treasured having the kids and their friends at the house, welcoming all with delicious food, love and laughter. When the kids grew and began to spread their wings, they started a new tradition of “Mondays at Mom’s” where family gathered to share fellowship.
Cindy enjoyed working with young people, whether it was her own children or organizing the recreation events for national church youth conventions, coaching volleyball at Bethany Christian High School and serving as interim youth pastor at Clinton Frame Church for several years. She served on a number of boards in the community, including Wycliff Associates, a word-wide Bible translation organization.
Having friends and family in the home was an honor for Cindy. She loved to host the kids’ friends when they were younger, welcoming all with delicious food along with love and laughter. Even during the untimely diagnosis of her brain tumor she continued to care for others. She regularly reached out to many of her “people” just to make sure they knew they were loved. A high priority for Cindy was caring for her extended family, her husband, kids and beloved grandchildren.
Cindy fought throughout her cancer journey to maintain her autonomy and continued to do what she loved despite the limitations of her condition. She believed in prioritizing what is life-giving. Her commitment to giving back to her community through supporting family and youth-focused programs strongly aligns with CHC’s mission to improve the quality of living and makes her a deserving recipient of the 2025 Circle of Caring Award. Please join us on November 5 as we honor Cindy’s life well lived!