Jim Elliott of Diveheart Named Humanitarian of the Year by WSPN

JIM ELLIOTT OF DIVEHEART NAMED HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR

Jim Elliott, president/founder of Diveheart received the prestigious Humanitarian of the Year Award last week from the West Suburban Philanthropic Network (WSPN).

Diveheart is a not-for-profit organization that provides scuba diving instruction and opportunities to children, adults and veterans with disabilities. Elliott founded Diveheart in 2001, leaving a successful career in media to become a full-time volunteer for the organization.

The West Suburban Philanthropic Network provides guidance, networking opportunities, and education to those who serve nonprofit organizations in the western suburbs.

The honor was presented to Elliott during WSPN's 11th Annual Awards Luncheon. Also recognized were Mr. and Mrs. John Calamos Sr. of Naperville as Philanthropists of the Year, Ed Momkus and Betsy Goltermann as Philanthropic Leaders of the Year and more. The event which drew more than 200 people, was held at Meson Sabika in Naperville.

Elliott's award was presented to him by Evelyn Felipez of Lake Villa. The 15-year old, who has spina bifida, was introduced to scuba diving by Diveheart through the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. “Jim welcomed all of us with open arms. Because of Diveheart, I have learned how to scuba dive. Something I never imagined that I would do; and I traveled to the Florida Keys and went scuba diving in the ocean,” Evelyn said.

“I think a humanitarian is a person that makes a difference in the lives of others. Jim fits that definition. He left a successful career, to become a full-time volunteer with Diveheart. I think that what he did was incredibly generous and thoughtful. He has changed many peoples' lives because of this. Jim has helped so many people…. kids and adults, prove that they are capable of doing anything that they set their minds to. Diveheart helps people with disabilities by encouraging them to do something that is truly amazing.”

“In a community with so many selfless, generous and inspirational people, I am honored and humbled to have been selected as the Humanitarian of the Year. I am so blessed to be recognized; for truly having the best and most fulfilling job in the world-helping to instill the can-do spirit in individuals with disabilities,” said Elliott.

For additional information, visit www.diveheart.org