Meet the people who made 2008 better in Arlington Heights

If there's one place the Hearts of Gold winners didn't expect to be, it was in a ballroom with hundreds of formally dressed people sipping wine and cutting dark chocolate and raspberry mousse.

After all, their good deeds were quite simple.

Three Westgate teachers gave up their Saturdays to help a sick boy get back on track. A restaurant owner organized a Cubs rooftop outing and raised more than $25,000 for a scholarship in honor of an Arlington Heights police officer who recently died.

Yet there they were.

"I'm amazed one act of kindness could get so much attention," said Parameswari Gopalan, who let eight strangers stay at her home while their sick family member recovered at a nearby hospital.

The audience applauded while Gopalan returned to her table and hugged her family. The acts were simple, but some affected thousands of kids. Others changed the life of one person forever.

Kathie Hahn, mentor award

Hahn discovered her inner strength when she was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago. She not only endured her diagnosis and treatment with extraordinary grace but also served as a role model and leader in helping others traverse this difficult journey.

Hahn is a hospital supporter and donor, breast cancer survivor and an advocate of comprehensive health care for women. She is also a wife, mother of two daughters and grandmother of five.

Hahn dedicated her award to her mother who celebrated her 85th birthday the night of the awards dinner.

"I'm blessed with a phenomenal family who lift me up every day," Hahn said.

What you probably didn't know: Hahn is a former Arlington Heights trustee who helped establish a permanent home for the Teen Center.

Steven Patzke, beautification award

When Patzke researched projects for his Eagle Scout rank, he decided he wanted the project to be something the community could enjoy for many years.

He picked an area of the St. James property where a house had been torn down to make way for church improvements. Left behind were three 75-year-old evergreens and large expanses of open land and parking area. With help from family and friends, Patzke hauled dirt, moved bushes, transplanted perennials, planted seeds and watered. The result is a serene area with evergreens, plants, bushes, benches, a statue and colorful flowers.

The space is now used by parishioners looking for quiet, wedding parties seeking an outdoor background for photos, and informal meetings of various church ministries.

Although Steven completed the project in July 2007, he's spent the past 20 months continuing to water, weed and feed the area.

"When I was working on the project, my dad saw a sign that said 'free mulch,'" Patzke said. "We went back with our van and spread mulch until 11 p.m. that night. So I want to thank my family - they did an amazing job."

What you probably didn't know: Patzke was losing his voice at the awards banquet because of his work on his school musical. He'll be Officer Krupke in "West Side Story" at St. Viator.

Dee and George Bigham, best neighbor award

Several years ago, Dee and George organized a block party. The gathering was designed with something for everyone from 3 to 98 years of age (Dee's mother is 98 and lives with the family).

The annual event has strengthened friendships and neighbors are discovering one another's stories. Recently when a family on their block was going through a particularly difficult time, Dee and George called the neighbors together for a front and back yard "clean up" project.

George is active in the money management ministry at their church assisting people in financial difficulty and he recently worked with friends to start Shepherd's Hope, a food pantry in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood.

Senior friends of Dee's mom are often found around their kitchen table for a card game and dinner. Dee is happy to send them home with another meal or run errands for them when it's necessary.

"We're picking up this award in honor of my mom, who is at home knitting caps for babies at Northwest Community Hospital," Dee Bigham said.

What you probably didn't know: The Bighams nominated someone else for this award. When they received a letter in the mail from the village, they figured their nominee had won. Turns out, they won.

Nancy Abruscato, Christie Brennan and Melba Gustafson, educators award

Abruscato is a kindergarten teacher, Brennan is a resource teacher and Gustafson is a psychologist at Westgate Elementary School. These three are responsible for a large part of the rehabilitation of Sam Benson, a fifth-grader at their school.

In July of 2007, Sam began to experience multiple seizures and was put into a chemically induced coma. He was diagnosed with a condition called "Anti-Gad" Antibody and was slowly brought out of the coma over a three-week period and a treatment program was started.

Many obstacles such as "apraxia," which is the loss of the ability to execute or carry out learned purposeful movements, and "aphasia," which is a disorder caused by damage to the parts of the brain that control language, make it difficult for Sam to read, write and say what he wants to say.

Since January of 2008 Sam has made tremendous strides, beginning at a prekindergarten level and currently learning at a 3rd or 4th grade level in different subjects in the integrated service program.

"We have been witness to an extraordinary story," said Gustafson. "Our lives have been enriched in ways we couldn't have imagined."

What you probably didn't know: Nancy Abruscato taught Sam when he was in kindergarten, which is how the three teachers became interested in Sam's case. When they first started teaching Sam, his lessons could only last a few minutes.

Betsy Ward, young at heart award

When Betsy Sherwin Ward moved to Arlington Heights with her husband Gordon and infant son, Ward started Red Cross home nursing courses for migrant workers. By the time her family grew to include two sons, she became involved with the Arlington Nurse's Club, helping residents get wheelchairs, canes and more.

Ward also joined the Arlington Heights Historical Society and became a member of the Salt Creek Questers. The Questers research and share knowledge regarding the value and history of antiques and historical landmarks. Due in large part to the efforts of the Questers, the Society now has many artifacts from the early 1900s era. Ward also organized the Collectors' Showcase, where experts would gather annually for 10 years to share information about antiques with the community.

Recently when Ward was shopping, a business owner told her he'd heard she was up for an award.

"I said I hope so, I've been around long enough," Ward said. "He said, 'That's for sure.'"

What you probably didn't know: Betsy worked tirelessly to help restore the interiors of the historic Banta House with furnishings that are from the 1908 to 1917 period. The restored kitchen area is almost entirely thanks to Ward.

Parameswari Gopalan, heroic award

Gopalan, a triage nurse at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, was about to begin her shift on July 4, 2008, when as she was entering the hospital, she heard a man speaking in her native language, Tamil, asking about the condition of his daughter.

Gopalan learned a car accident had left his daughter in serious condition and his wife in surgery. The man was distraught, confused and frightened. The friends he and his family were scheduled to meet earlier in the day showed up at the hospital. Later that night. Gopalan asked the man and his friends to move into her home. Eight strangers moved into the Gopalan home - five adults, a senior, a baby and a toddler.

When the daughter was released from the hospital, she too moved in. The three returned to Wisconsin in good health and they will always remember the nurse who helps others without personal worry and responds to those in need.

"I'd like to thank my children who slept in the living room on mats or wherever there was carpet during this time," she said. "I'd like to do more in my life to help people."

What you probably didn't know: When Gopalan was a young girl growing up in a small village in India, her father told her to "take care of other people."

Erin Kaiser, young champion award

Kaiser is a junior at Hersey High School who was inspired to start contributing to the world community while participating in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life in fifth grade. Her volunteer work continued during middle school, helping with tsunami and hurricane relief.

A large part of her involvement is through Hersey's Service Over Self organization, including hosting special needs children on a circus outing, participating in senior citizens day, Kids Care hospital visits and Fun Olympics.

Erin's also has worked with Illinois Special Olympics, served meals for PADS, assisted with the Village of Arlington Heights Holiday Assistance program and helped on the Make-a-Wish-Foundation bike rally.

"The feeling to you get from helping other people is a feeling you can't get anywhere else," she said.

What you probably didn't know: Kaiser has taken sign language classes to better communicate with deaf students at Hersey, some of whom have become her best friends.

Jerry Klopp, volunteer award

Klopp has served on the board of the Arlington Heights Youth Basketball Association (AHYBA) since 1982 when his oldest son enrolled. Back then, the organization consisted of about 500 boys. The AHYBA now has more than 1,500 participants including girls ranging from 3rd to 12th grade.

Klopp and his wife Mary have been spent time volunteering with the AHYBA, working the scoreboard for football and basketball games at St. Viator, and coaching youth basketball for St. James.

"My son John was in third grade when I started with AHYBA and he'll be 35 next month," Klopp said. "It's a great program. We take all players and everyone gets to play."

What you probably didn't know: The girls program was added when Klopp's twin girls were old enough to play, which Klopp calls "no accident."

Jim Bertucci, city of good neighbors award

Bertucci grew up on the Northwest side of Chicago and lived with five siblings. His cousins lived upstairs and his grandparents lived two houses down the street. In this close-knit neighborhood, he knew many local business owners and he began working after school and on weekends when he was 14 years old.

That sense of community followed Bertucci to Arlington Heights, where he started the local chapter and formed the original board of Dollars for Scholars. He's also been president or director of every organization he has joined including Crime Stoppers, the library board, Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Historical Society and others.

What you probably didn't know: When he's not volunteering, Bertucci is a financial planner who specializes in retirement and helping individuals meet their financial goals.

Derek Hanley, business leader award

Hanley, owner of Peggy Kinnane's Irish Restaurant & Pub, came to the United States from Ireland in 1985.

After living in New York for a couple of years, he moved to Boston, where he met his wife. Later, they moved to Los Angeles, Denver, back to Tipperary, Ireland, and finally to Arlington Heights.

Hanley opened Peggy Kinnane's eight years ago and has been an integral part of the downtown redevelopment. He was one of the first business owners to offer his expertise for the Mane Event and has been part of the Irish Fest at the Historical Museum for eight years. He has also taken a leading role in providing support to several charities at his restaurant, including Salute Inc., the Edward A. Dillon Memorial Scholarship Fund and Hospice of Northeast Illinois. Derek has raised thousands of dollars for these organizations.

"I remember growing up in Ireland, the Christian Brothers used to tell me 'Hanley, you will never amount to anything,'" he said. "I use that as motivation and drive to become a better man."

What you probably didn't know: Hanley moved to the United States when he was 19 years old, but last year he officially became a U.S. citizen.

•Sue Burlini, the Pam Stocking award

Burlini is a longtime resident and former director of senior and disability services for Wheeling Township. One of her strongest attributes is her caring spirit, which is reflected in her 15 years of advocacy work.

Her exemplary leadership resulted in her being honored by Illinois Township officials as the "2007 Senior Director of the Year" for her work in coordinating special programs and monthly forums.

Her legacy will be the popular programs she initiated such as the Visually Impaired Support Group; the A-OK program, an intergenerational partnership with District 214; a Halloween Fun Fair for children with disabilities. Burlini also created a handyman directory of contractors willing to provide services to seniors at fair prices and consistently hosts informational forums for seniors.

She was also instrumental in the creation of the popular Township Riders Initiative Program (TRIP), which provides flexible bus transportation that helps nondriving residents meet medical appointments.

"Pam (Stocking) was a good friend of mine and I'm honored to accept this award in her honor," Burlini said.

What you probably didn't know: Pamela Stocking served as the village's first disabilities services coordinator and fought for the inclusion of people with disabilities in the mainstream of society. She lost her own battle with cancer in November of 1998, but the war she waged on the public's perception of the abilities of the disabled continues.