Recreation Specialist Dylan Sams shared , “ Ed encouraged the athletes , cheered them on , gave them pointers , and kept up the team ’ s morale , helping to take Gator Black to the Special Olympics State Basketball Tournament this year .”
2021 Youth Participant of the Year Tia Velkme of Deerfield was recognized for her incredible growth while participating in NSSRA programs . In particular , Velkme made great strides in her independence and social skills during the past couple of years . She became involved with NSSRA programs ten years ago and continues to thrive in various programs .
Tom Thurnblad of Glenview , named 2021 Program Staff of the Year , has worked in NSSRA programs since 2007 . Not only does Thurnblad do an excellent job of adapting to meet the needs of the participants during programs , but he is also a strong advocate for them by conveying observations and communicating with the program leader , teammates , and families .
Sam Cotton of Glenview , recipient of the 2021 Volunteer of the Year award , could not attend the evening ’ s festivities . NSSRA staff surprised Cotton with the award during the previous week , and banquet attendees were treated to a video of him accepting his award .
Glenview Park District received the 2021 Partner Agency of the Year award for their extraordinary support of NSSRA programs and generous hospitality . During the pandemic , Glenview Park District ’ s Willow Park Fieldhouse became the primary home as NSSRA eased back into in-person programming . Last year , the Summer Bash , the inaugural Run for All 5K , the SWING golf outing , and many other programs were held at Glenview Park District facilities . Glenview Park District Executive Director Michael McCarty also served as NSSRA Facility Committee Chair , who was instrumental in everything from the purchase to the grand opening of the Mitchell L . Slotnick Center .
2019 / 2020 Award Winners
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Mitchell L . Slotnick Friend of the Year : D & R Autoworks s Advocate of the Year : Natalie Liang ( Highland Park ) s Family of the Year : Sennott Family ( Wilmette ) s Program Staff of the Year : Ellie Britton ( Glenview ) s
Youth Participant of the Year : Jack Pirrie Villalobos ( Glenview )
s Gator Athlete of the Year : Randy Huffmaster ( Fox Lake )
Thank You , Supporters ! s
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Presenting Sponsor › Gerald & Olivia Shapiro Family Foundation Invitation Sponsor › Binstein Family Audio and Visual Sponsors
› Rosen Family Foundation › Slotnick Family
Program Book Sponsor
› Atlas Employment Services › FGMK
Live Music Sponsors
› D & R Autoworks , Inc . › Mercedes-Benz at Autohaus on Edens › Wintrust Community Banks
Dessert Sponsors
› Amy & Bob Greenebaum › Gregg & Sue Hartemayer › Bonnie & Herb Horn › Jim & Holly Jennings › Karasik Family › Lippai / Gibson Family › Odelson , Sterk , Murphey ,
Frazier & McGrath , Ltd . › Schuman Family
Décor Sponsor › Medansky Family
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