Serve Illinois Honors Illinoisans for Exemplary Community Service

4/6/2011

Governor's Volunteer Service Awards Highlight Volunteerism

Governor Pat Quinn and the Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service today presented 25 Illinoisans with the Governor's Volunteer Service Award. The award recognizes volunteers who have made a difference in Illinois and highlights the importance of volunteerism and community service.

"Every day in Illinois, thousands of volunteers donate their time and talents to help others and to build stronger communities," said Governor Quinn. "We honor these individuals that have made positive change in our state and set an example for others to follow with their initiative, creativity and energy."

Individual awards in each of the commission's five service regions (Northeast, Northwest, East Central, West Central and Southern Illinois) are presented in three categories: youth ages 18 and under, adult ages 19-54 and seniors ages 55 and older. Additionally, National Service Awards were presented to one Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve Member in each region.

The Governor's Volunteer Service Awards focus on five areas: Economic Opportunity, Education, Environmental Conservation, Disaster Preparedness/Response, Health, and Veterans' Affairs.

"All citizens have an opportunity to recognize their ability and help strengthen their communities through voluntary service," said Ted Gibbs, Executive Director of Serve Illinois. "Through Serve Illinois, we hope to expand volunteerism throughout rural, suburban and urban Illinois, and involve people of all backgrounds, cultures and ages."

The Serve Illinois Commission is a 35-member, bi-partisan board appointed by the Governor and administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). Its mission is to improve Illinois communities by enhancing traditional volunteer activities and supporting national service programs, including the Illinois AmeriCorps program.

A list of the 2011 Governor's Volunteer Service Award recipients is attached. To learn more about the winners and Serve Illinois Commission and volunteerism in Illinois, visit Serve.Illinois.gov.

Below are the 2011 Governor's Volunteer Service Award Recipients, honored at the Executive Mansion on April 6, 2011. Each recipient's bio will be released at www.Serve.Illinois.gov the day of the event.

Southern Illinois Award Recipients

Youth

• Mallory Dawn Hammell
  Crossville, IL

  For service to: University of Illinois Extension Service, White County 4-H

Adult

• Amy Simpson
  Carterville, IL

  For service to: Gum Drops

Senior

• Carl DauBach
  Fults, IL

  For service to: Conserving Lands in Farm, Forest, Talus, or Prairie (CLIFFTOP)

AmeriCorps Member

• Ben Taylor
  Belleville, IL

  For service to: Belleville AmeriCorps

Senior Corps Member

• Jean Domingez
  Mt. Vernon, IL

  For service to: One Hope United Foster Grandparent Program

East Central Illinois Award Recipients

Youth

• Abigail Westendorf
  Effingham, IL

  For service to: University of Illinois Extension Effingham County 4-H Program

Adult

• Derrick Stapleton
  Springfield, IL

  For service to: Springfield Urban League/Frontiers International Springfield Club

Senior

• Bobby Hall 
  Springfield, IL

  For service to: Central Counties Health Centers, Inc

Learn and Serve Member

• William Nesbitt
  Catlin, IL

  For service to: City of Catlin (through Catlin High School)

AmeriCorps Member

• Ed Gaskill
  Effingham, IL

  For service to: Effingham City/County Committee on Aging

Senior Corps Member

• Beverly Bazemore
  Springfield, IL

  For service to: One Hope United Foster Grandparent Program

West Central Illinois Award Recipients

Adult

• Robin Forney
  Brimfield, IL

  For service to: University of Illinois Extension 4-H Program

Senior

• Billy Stlegemeier
  Staunton, IL

  For service to: Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1241

AmeriCorps Member

• Isaac Pizzo
  Gillespie, IL

  For service to: Macoupin County Public Health Department

Senior Corps Member

• Dr. John Fendrich
  Peoria, IL

  For service to: RSVP of Peoria and Tazewell Counties

Northwest Illinois Award Recipients

Adult

• Ezekiel D. Hartman
  Lanark, IL

  For service to: Freeport Community Foundation - Youth Advisory Council (YAC)

Senior

• Edward Leach
  Rockford, IL

  For service to: Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity

AmeriCorps Member

• Patricia Crowell
  Rockford, IL

  For service to: Winnebago County Health Department and Kennedy Middle School

Senior Corps Member

• Ed Mitchell
  Moline, IL

  For service to: RSVP of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois, and Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging

Northeast Illinois Award Recipients

Youth

• Andrew Katcha
  Kenilworth, IL

  For service to: The Joseph Sears School

Adult

• Virginia Neuckranz
  Winnetka, IL

  For service to: Erika's Lighthouse: A Beacon of Hope for Adolescent Depression

Senior

• Thomas Neuckranz
  Winnetka, IL

  For service to: Erika's Lighthouse: A Beacon of Hope for Adolescent Depression

Learn and Serve Member

• Tyler Maly
  Gages Lake, IL

  For service to: Clyd Lash Academy

AmeriCorps Member

• Joy Martin
  McHenry, IL

  For service to: Home of the Sparrow

Senior Corps Member

• Paul Gantz
  McHenry, IL

  For service to: Senior Services Associates, Inc