Little City to honor volunteer spirit, dedication

Little City Foundation will honor six people and one company for longtime dedication and efforts to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities at the agency's 49th Annual Awards Dinner on Friday, Nov. 14.

"They are dedicated individuals who have huge hearts of compassion for people with disabilities, and we are privileged to honor them for their efforts," said Shawn Jeffers, executive director of Little City Foundation, in a press statement.

The dinner will be The Fairmont Chicago hotel, with entertainment and dancing. For details, visit www.littlecity.org or call Phyllis Shipbaugh of Little City Foundation at (847) 221-7892.

2008 honorees

Dr. Brian Chicoine and Dennis McGuire, "Spirit of Inukshuk Award": The two men are the founding directors of the Adult Down Syndrome Center at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. Dr. Chicoine of Arlington Heights is the medical director of the center, and McGuire of Oak Park has served on the staff since the center's founding in 1992. The award is named after primitive, magnificent figures of stone that were erected along North America's shores to guide travelers on a safe journey.

Ron Buch, "Spirit of Inukshuk Award": Buch of Huntley is the executive director of community health and outreach at Northwest Community Hospital. Buch has served for more than 33 years in his role of community health advocacy on behalf of Northwest Community Hospital, and was instrumental in helping launch a health care facility for people with disabilities at Little City's campus in Palatine.

Michael Piazza, "Spirit of Inukshuk Award": Piazza, who passed away in 2005, was the founder of the Little City arts program, which has won numerous awards over the years. His wife, Laura, continues to lead the Design Studio, which is part of The Center for the Arts at Little City.

DeFranco Plumbing, City Partnership Award: A Palatine-based firm, DeFranco Plumbing, is a strong supporter of Little City, providing tens of thousands of dollars in donated services to build and repair facilities at Little City and the organization's community-based homes in the surrounding suburbs.

Robert J. Samson, "Honorary Mayor" of Little City: The Mayor award goes to a board member who has made a significant difference in the lives of the children and adults with developmental disabilities. Samson of Deerfield is managing director with Wachovia Securities.

John J. George, "Sidney L. Port Legacy of Distinction Award": John George of Western Springs is the second longest continuing member of the Little City Foundation Board of Directors, having served since 1976. George assists as the board's general counsel and as a member of the board's executive and board affairs committees.

<div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Stories</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=249264">DeFranco Plumbing to get City Partnership Award <span class="date">[11/12/08]</span></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=249262">Buch to receive Inukshuk Award <span class="date">[11/12/08]</span></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=249261">Chicoine, McGuire to get Inukshuk Award <span class="date">[11/12/08]</span></a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>