Volunteer Center hosts recognition event

Volunteers, nonprofits, and local leaders joined The Volunteer Center of Northwest Suburban Chicago Wednesday to honor individuals and groups who have made a special impact on the community at its 2011 Volunteer Recognition Event.

In the presence of the National 9/11 Flag, The Volunteer Center handed out its annual Impact Awards, which recognize those volunteers who have gone above and beyond the call of service this past year.

More than 500 attendees came to The Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows to attend the ceremony, hosted by Merri Dee, former WGN news anchor and current president of Illinois AARP.

This year’s Volunteer Recognition Event was especially meaningful because The Volunteer Center was selected to display the National 9/11 Flag Tour as part of the official Illinois state tour. Destroyed in the aftermath of the World Trade Center attacks on Sept. 11, the 20-by-30.5-foot flag is being restored through stitching ceremonies in all 50 states.

The National 9/11 Flag has become a symbol of the dedication and spirit of volunteerism in America. The flag was escorted and protected during the event by the Warriors Watch Riders and many local police, firefighters and first responders.

“We were so honored to be able to share the National 9/11 Flag with so many of our own volunteer heroes, veterans and supporters as a special thank you for all of the wonderful things they do to support our schools, organizations and communities all year long,” said Chris Smith, chief operating officer of The Volunteer Center.

The event featured patriotic singing by the Arlingtones Barbershop Chorus and music from the Chicago Fire Department Pipes & Drums. Veterans were honored, volunteers were recognized and guests were able to take pictures with this historic flag.

For information on the National 9/11 Flag, visit www.national911flag.org. To read more about The Volunteer Center’s 2011 Impact Award winners, visit volunteerinfo.net.

Based in Arlington Heights, The Volunteer Center of Northwest Suburban Chicago is a nonprofit agency devoted to improving lives by developing, advancing and promoting meaningful community volunteer initiatives since 1969.

TVC supports volunteer programs through its partnerships with more than 180 social service agencies and schools throughout 45 suburban towns and villages in northern Cook and DuPage counties.

For details, visit volunteerinfo.net.

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