Science fiction enthusiasts gather annually at the World Science Fiction Convention as part of a worldwide nameless society called “fandom.”  We have close and long-range friendships, have clubs, web sites, and attend get-togethers.  And among us there are some special fans known for their selfless deeds--each one of who has a spirit of big-heartedness, specially singled out once a year to receive the Big Heart Award.

The Big Heart Award is given each year to someone who personifies our very special friendly society.  Chosen is someone who cares about our remarkable spirit of science fiction fandom, someone who has unstintingly, warmly, generously, compassionately, unselfishly given of their time and energy to our unique group.  These people are known for dedicated altruism, and helpful, friendly acts.

The description “science fiction” dates back to its creation by pioneering Hugo Gernsback in the 1920s.   Out of that historic past came fandom.  Nearly a half century ago, two prominent fans-- Forrest J Ackerman and Walter J. Daugherty--marked the passing of one who had become the personification of our fellowship--special fan and pro E. Everett Evans.  In Evans’ honor and in his name they created the Big Heart Award.   

Fandom, in those formative days of the 1920s under Hugo Gernsback, was only a handful of activists writing letters to the single magazine, or later to the two or three other so-called pulps.  Enthusiastic readers called themselves “fans.”   We, today, are the descendants of those early fans.  In fact, some of us dinosaurs are still around, identifying ourselves as “First Fandom.” 

Once upon a time every convention-goer knew the fan that was that year's Big Heart Award winner.  Sadly, the honor now is not nearly understood nor appreciated by so many of us. 

This early band of special friends has grown from merely dozens of persons to thousands of persons young and old.  Once upon a time we all knew each other personally.  Nowadays that isn't possible, but the intimate camaraderie is still deeper and stronger than ever.

At the beginning of the new millennium, the traditional award presenter stepped aside and chose his close friend David A. Kyle to carry on.  The ideals of the award continue to flourish.  We continue to honor those special fans, showing our affection for very exceptional people, representatives of the deep friendships we find in fandom.

From the very first honorees, the choices have been varied, many of the chosen obscure and unsung, but all beloved and worthy.  Just as there is a First Fandom Hall of Fame display at worldcons, there is a posting of the Big Heart Award recipients, the best and truest of ourselves.