Palatine man recognized for volunteer work

For volunteering as a one-on-one mentor helping troubled kids lead happier and more successful lives, Kevin O’Donnell is getting some well-deserved recognition.

The Palatine resident is being awarded a $5,000 grant through the Bank of America Neighborhood Excellence Initiatives for his work with the Bridge Youth and Family Services.

For more than seven years O’Donnell has been volunteering for the Palatine-based nonprofit organization, which aims to help young people and families achieve social and emotional health by providing comprehensive counseling and therapy services.

O’Donnell, who also serves as a board member for the organization, says he’ll donate the grant to Bridge.

Each year, the bank highlights the achievements of outstanding citizens such as O’Donnell and local nonprofits working to improve their communities.

Another individual winner is Connie Payton, who’s being recognized for continuing to carry the charitable torch started by her late husband, Chicago Bears great Walter Payton.

O’Donnell and the other award winners will be recognized Wednesday, Nov. 9, during a ceremony at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Bank of America has invested $150 million since the Neighborhood Excellence Initiatives program’s inception in 2004, including more than $3.6 million in the Chicago area.