teenagers with disabilities. Lake Forest has
been a tremendous advocate for NSSRA and
always looks for ways to accommodate new
participants.
honor and a privilege. Today and every day, we
rise by lifting others.”
In conclusion, Thomas’ mom Natalie capped
her remarks saying, “There is a group of people
Special recognition was also given to NSSRA
within NSSRA that we want to single out: the
Superintendent Candice Cunningham in honor recreation team, the volunteers and program
of her fifteen-year anniversary. Cunningham
staff. The list of things you do is endless. I want
started at NSSRA as a Recreation Specialist in
you to know that you are very valued. Your
2002 and has served as Superintendent since simple acts of kindness are gifts to each of the
2009. She played a key role in developing
participants and families.”
NSSRA’s ELA Program, now in its 12th
year, as well as leading NSSRA’s Inclusion
“Today, we seem to value celebrities and
services team for the last eight years. NSSRA
billionaires as our role models, but I want you
supports over 1,000 placements on average
to know, all of you in the audience who do this,
throughout the year in NSSRA’s thirteen partner what you do is priceless. You give depth to
communities. These are just a few of her many purpose to people like Thomas, people like us.
accomplishments.
I want you to know that you are changing the
world, one person, one family, one community
Cunningham remarked, “I am very grateful to at a time. We thank you from the bottom of our
be a part of this team and work with so many
hearts.”
beautiful, talented and amazing people. Thank
you for having me for 15 years. It has been an
Volunteer of the Year
Megan Kivarkis
Program Staff of the Year
Sarah Hunter
Thank you to our generous sponsors and donors!
Shining Stars Sponsor
NSSRA Foundation
Gold Sponsors
Glenn Binstein Family
Fowler Family
Joan Golder
Team Jack Rosen
Troutman Sanders
Mitchell & Valerie
Slotnick Family
Silver Sponsors
Fisher Family
Karasik Family
Wintrust Community Banks
Lake Forest, Northshore, Northbrook
Invitation Sponsor
Rick & Kristen Dean
DJ Sponsor
La Chapelle Family Foundation
Centerpiece Sponsors
Gibson/Lippai Family
Amy & Bob Greenebaum
Schuman Family
Dessert Sponsors
Anonymous
Gibson/Lippai Family
Youth Participant of the Year
Thomas Jachtorowycz
Photography Sponsor
John & Jane Rubin
Sign Sponsors
AA Service Co. Heating & Cooling
Bonnie & Herb Horn
Lakeshore Psychology Group
Netzer Family
Donors
Don & Sue Bergsrud, Elizabeth & Chandler
Bigelow, Glenn Binstein Family, Seymour &
Beverly Binstein, Robert & Peggy Bourke, Bill
& Jerry Eichengreen, Phillip & Megan Kivarkis,
Mitchell & Sari Kovitz, Jim & Linda Leahy, Mr.
& Mrs. Ed Loeb, Mann Family - In Memory
of Janice Mann, Don & Nancy McNair, John
& DeeAnne Nyweide, Mark & Odette Olson,
Jerry & Naomi Senser, Will & Jennifer Tippet,
Tubergen Family, Caroline Weeden, Larry &
Carole Widmer and Corey & Susan Wilner
Gator Athlete of the Year
James Gromoshak
Adult Participant of the Year
Matt Rubin
View photos, watch our annual video and read complete coverage at www.nssra.org.
www.nssra.org
SHINING STARS AWARD WINNERS
17