Barbara Ferguson named Woman of the Year
Altrusa International of Elgin, Illinois, Inc. recently honored Barbara Ferguson of Sleepy Hollow as its 66th annual Woman of the Year.
The local Altrusa Woman of the Year Award began in 1950 when Harriet Armstrong was recognized as the first recipient. Since then, a long line of dedicated local women have been honored for their volunteer service to the greater Elgin area community.
"Barbara has had a very strong impact on the greater Elgin area community," said Dr. Clare Ollayos, Altrusa Woman of the Year committee chair. "In addition to a wide variety of honors she has received for her community service, Barbara understands the needs of the community and through her work with the Dundee Township United Way and Northwest Suburban United Way has provided continued support to our local United Way agencies who benefit residents. Her spirit of cooperation is evident in all of her projects that benefit those in need."
Ferguson has left her indelible mark on the Dundee Township community for over 30 years. She is a current board member of Summit School Inc., the Dundee Township Boys and Girls Club and the North/Northwest Suburban United Way.
Through her involvement with the Boys and Girls Club, Ferguson was awarded the Boys and Girls Club Volunteer of the Year Award in 2012 in the state of Illinois. She has volunteered 16 years of board service with the Dundee Township Boys and Girls Club. To support the club, Barbara and her husband, Roger, are beloved for the club's annual dinner "500 Cookies" live auction donation, which has raised nearly $50,000 every year, but topped that number in the fall when a donor pledged $75,000 for the cookies.
In 2013, Ferguson was honored with the Dundee Township Rotary Club "Service Above Self " Award, for her significant contribution to the community. She also received the North/Northwest United Way Volunteer of the Year award in 2013.
Altrusa International of Elgin is part of an international service organization comprised of executive and professional women. The club was recently recognized at the Elgin Mayor's Awards for its 64 years of service in the community. The club was founded in 1950. In its history, it continues to sponsor a variety of projects in the community through volunteerism and monetary support.
Members reside throughout the Northern Fox Valley area, including Elgin, South Elgin, Bartlett, Dundee, Sleepy Hollow, Carpentersville, Algonquin, Bartlett, Hampshire, Huntley and Pingree Grove.