Residents Honored with Jaycee Award
The Illinois Jaycees selected area residents Christian F. Davis, Seth Jonathan Goldberg and Mary Sandner as honorees of its Outstanding Young Persons of Illinois awards program. The Outstanding Young Persons (TOYP) program annually recognizes young people throughout Illinois who excel in their chosen fields, endeavors and show a great commitment to their respective communities. Each was recognized in the category of Humanitarian and/or voluntary leadership.
Davis, 39, is a founding member of the Home Connection Charity which is dedicated to sending care packages to American troops stationed overseas. Since the organization's inception, Home Connection has shipped over 1,000 packages to the active troops stationed overseas. Davis is a founder and co-owner of Trifecta Transport which provides full service logistic services to companies of various sizes.
"There is nothing more rewarding than helping American military men and women," said Davis. "My hope is this recognition inspires others to take action towards helping others."
Goldberg, 35, was diagnosed at an early age with a neuromuscular disease and a seizure disorder that caused severe hearing loss. Through his determination and perseverance, his disability has not limited him. Goldberg is currently serving his third term on the Arlington Heights Commission for Citizens with Disabilities. In addition, he is a volunteer for the Arlington Heights District 25 Everybody Counts program which is designed to teach children about disability awareness.
"This honor by the Jaycees inspires me to continue doing my best to demonstrate how people with disabilities can contribute," said Goldberg.
Sandner, 31, founded The Community Meal, a non-profit organization that organizes community meals which provide a welcoming place, nourishing food, a listening ear, and acceptance to all regardless of faith beliefs of economic means. In 2017, the organization hosted 27 community meals serving nearly 5,000 meals in four cities: Barrington, Cary, Palatine and Wauconda.
"The simple act of sharing a meal together gives hope to the elderly, lonely and hungry," said Sandner.
The Illinois Jaycees will recognize this year's honorees at an awards banquet on May 12, 2018 at the Wyndham Springfield-City Centre. The event is supported by friends and employers of the honorees, local Jaycee organizations, Illinois businesses and the Illinois Jaycees Charitable Foundation. Friends, local businesses and organizations can offer congratulations to the honoree and support the program by purchasing space in the banquet program. Additional Details can be found at www.iljaycees.org/toyp.
Leadership development through community involvement has been the basis of the Jaycees since its inception in 1920. Members enhance a variety of skills as they work together to plan and run civic and individual development activities in their home communities and chapters. To locate a chapter nearest to you, email servicecenter@iljaycees.org.