Elgin Area Chamber gives thanks to three volunteers

The Elgin Area Chamber's 35th annual Thanksgiving Luncheon at Elgin Community College this past Tuesday was a bountiful feast of conversation, collaboration and community.

More than 150 guests and dignitaries from around the area were in attendance as the chamber honored three longtime local volunteers for their years of service to Elgin.

Judy Cabrera, educator and advocate for supporting the efforts of bilingual students, served in several volunteer capacities over the years, including the Club Guadalupano Scholarship Committee, Well Child Conference board of directors, Youth United Way, Elgin Junior Service Board and Hispanic Heritage Coalition, among others.

Velma Sept, former union steward for the U.S. Post Office in Elgin, whose passion for performing gospel quartet music with the Larkin Family of Chicago Gospel Singers has led her to service with New Hope Baptist Church, Boys and Girls Club of Elgin, Elgin Area School District U-46 African American Advisory Committee, and Elgin Police Citizens Advisory Committee.

Bill Briska, former administrator at the Elgin Mental Health Center and co-author of the 2002 book "Elgin Time: The History of the Elgin National Watch Company," whose work with the Elgin Area Historical Society, City of Elgin's Heritage Commission and the Gifford Park Association has helped preserve and celebrate Elgin's rich history.

Elgin Area Chamber President and CEO Carol Gieske summed up the efforts of the three honorees by reading a quote from DeAnn Hollis.

"'The heart of a volunteer is not measured in size, but by the depth of the commitment to make a difference in the lives of others,'" said Gieske.

Miss Illinois Marisa Buchheit of Chicago provided the pre-luncheon musical entertainment and spoke about her community service platform, "From STEM to STEAM: Keeping the Arts in Education."

"I see what (arts education) does for the women I work with … I've seen what it does to transform young people's lives," said Buchheit, a former schoolteacher and aspiring professional opera singer.

During the luncheon's invocation, Judson University President Eugene Crume touched upon the importance of service as he read from "The Paradoxical Commandments" by Dr. Kent M. Keith.

" 'People really need help but may attack you if you do help them. Help people anyway,' " said Crume.

" 'Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you have anyway.' "