How do you find the winning entry in a contest full of proposals to perform good deeds?

That was the challenge for a panel of judges selected to review the local Pay It Forward contest. The project, organized by the New Castle News and sponsored by attorney Dallas W. Hartman, offered a $2,000 cash prize for the best idea submitted for helping others in the community.

Twenty-seven entries were considered for the contest, and these were reviewed by a panel of seven judges — people of different backgrounds, experiences, interests and perspectives.

This was obvious at our initial meeting. The judges had been asked to examine the entries and be prepared to discuss their top five picks. The seven judges’ top five lists were varied — so much so, in fact, that we extensively discussed about 20 of the entries.

There were many compelling proposals. Some were businesslike in their presentations. Some were touching. Some were ambitious. Some were very narrow and specific in scope.

Many were found to have merit. But when push came to shove, and a decision had to be made, the judges had to be tough.

If an idea was deemed to be too vague, inadequately thought-out, or even one where the judges believed funding mechanisms were already available, it was set aside.

In the end, the winning entry was offered by Sandra DelPrincipe. Her proposal called for a very direct act of kindness: To allow cancer survivor Michael Sackin and his wife, Diana, to travel to Steubenville, Ohio, next month for the Dean Martin Festival.

Some may argue the winning idea won’t make a major difference in Lawrence County. But it will have a significant impact on the lives of two of its residents, providing them with a respite from their daily challenges. And this particular trip is a gift in the purest sense of the term. It’s not something that any grant program or charity is likely to provide.

Plus, it stands as a reminder of the value of generosity. Because of the cooperative effort of DelPrincipe’s idea and Hartman’s donation, The News has an uplifting story to tell the community.

Today’s edition of The News gives the Sackins the opportunity to explain what this Pay It Forward prize means to them. I am sure it’s something they will cherish always.

And it’s something they will share. The News will be there to report on the Sackins’ trip and allow our readers to witness some of the fun.

As for the other entries, it would be inappropriate to describe them as losers. The judges were impressed with the quality of good ideas submitted and the thought that went into them. They cannot be allowed to go to waste.

In the coming months, The News will report on many of these proposals. Our hope is that others, like Hartman, will step up to provide the financial support necessary to make some of these dreams come true.

The Pay It Forward program is intended to transcend its immediate results. It is designed to light a spark in the creative process that serves to strengthen the community’s bonds. Through cooperation, sharing and giving, Pay It Forward can help people to feel good about themselves and their neighbors.