Annual Board & Appreciation Dinner
Many heartfelt thanks were given at the Annual Board & Appreciation Dinner on Wednesday, November 14th, 2007. The NorthPointe Resources Board of Directors, Staff and Friends of NorthPointe gathered at The Forge in Vernon Hills for an evening of appreciation, awards and “Thank Yous”. The night kicked off with the “Eric Downey Outstanding Board Member of the Year” awarded to Colette Berardi who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to NorthPointe’s Mission, Values, and goals. Mrs. Berardi has been a long standing Board Member and her contributions and support are legendary. Manpower, Inc., Dr. Ho-Youn Kwon (North Park University), Vicki Bolton (U.S. Navy), Loren Congdon (Congdon Funeral Home), and A.L. Hanson were all recipients of The “Friends of NorthPointe” Award which is presented to people, companies, and/or businesses that have contributed and worked with NorthPointe on special projects, programs, and partnerships during the year.
One of two “Making a Difference” awards was presented to Jim Atkinson, President of the Tiny’s Social Club. Tiny’s Social Club was founded in the 1950’s and has been supporting NorthPointe for over 30 years with their generous financial donations, picnics for our staff, volunteer projects, and playing Santa and his elves at our annual Holiday Party for the people that we serve. The second “Making a Difference” award was presented to Chuck Pushee and the Winthrop Harbor Lions Club for coordinating an incredible fishing trip out on Lake Michigan for many of the people that we serve. This award is presented to people, companies, and/or businesses that have contributed to NorthPointe Resources on an on-going basis. Their continuous support, generosity, and efforts directly affect the individuals at NorthPointe Resources.
Our “Community Employee of the Year” award went to Matt Kogan for his great work at the Libertyville Parks and Recreation Department. Matt was recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty as an employee and demonstrating a great work ethic, congratulations Matt!
Each year, NorthPointe has the difficult task of choosing one “Employee of the Year”. Patrice Medina, Senior Supervisor, was recognized for her outstanding commitment to our Mission, Values, and goals. Her contributions far exceed the normal day to day needs of the people we serve.
All of the guests were treated to the stories shared by NorthPointe’s very own Donna Morask, PSR Coordinator and her sister Cheryl who receives services at NorthPointe. Donna and Cheryl’s stories touched all of us and reminded us what the heart of NorthPointe is really all about.
NorthPointe is very grateful for all of the people that volunteer their time and resources to be part of our Special Events Committees. We are especially grateful to our “Volunteer of the Year” award recipient, Lorna Zaloudek. If you didn’t know any better, you’d think she was a full time employee at NorthPointe!
The evening wrapped up with the most beautiful rendition of the song, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” sung by Helen C., a member of the SmileMark Players Theater Group founded and led by Doug McDade of the Gurnee Theater Company.
Thank you to ALL of the Friends, Staff, and Volunteers of NorthPointe Resources, we truly appreciate all that you do!