Mount Prospect announces 2023 Shining Star Award winners

Posted December 05, 2023 10:00 pm

Submitted by Kylie Cerk, village of Mount Prospect

Special Events Commissioners Christina Greco, right, and Patti Quill, left, celebrate a job well done at last year's Shining Stars Gala. Courtesy of village of Mount Prospect

The Mount Prospect Special Events Commission has announced the winners of Mount Prospect's 2023 Shining Star Awards. The awards will be presented at the 31st annual Shining Stars Gala from 6 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, Feb. 3, at Olive Palace Banquets, 828 E. Rand Road, Mount Prospect.

Award winners will be honored with special video tributes.

Please join in congratulating Mount Prospect's 2023 Shining Stars:

• Best Neighbor Award: John Ward;

• Community Partner Award: Claudia Boyle, Van Driels Medical Support Wear;

• Inclusivity Award: Bob and Donna Alexander;

• Open Arms Award: Prospect Moose Lodge 660;

• Public Service Award: Officer Greg Sill;

• Star Spangled Banner Award: Jim Parker;

• Unsung Hero Award: Jill Johnson, Mount Prospect Junior Women's Club president.

As a holiday surprise, the Special Events Commission is offering $60 Early Bird tickets ($10 off the regular price) through Jan. 3. The ticket price includes an open bar, dinner and a late-night snack, dessert, live music from Out of Control, dancing and entertainment. The cherry on top is getting to meet and celebrate the Shining Star Award winners who make Mount Prospect special.

Gala tickets can be purchased at www.mountprospect.org.

The Shining Stars Gala honors individuals and organizations that have a positive impact on Mount Prospect. The winners are selected by the Mount Prospect Special Events Commission from nominations submitted in the fall by members of the community.

The categories cover a wide range of interest areas and are designed especially to seek out individuals who do things that often go unnoticed.

Whether or not you know one of the winners, the Special Events Commission invites everyone in the Mount Prospect community to enjoy a night out with their neighbors.

For information about the Shining Star Awards, and to see previous winners, visit www.mountprospect.org.

Jim Parker, center, of VFW Post 1337 at last year's Shining Stars Gala. Parker is this year's Star Spangled Banner Award winner. Courtesy of village of Mount Prospect

Mayor Paul Wm. Hoefert speaks at the 2023 Shining Stars Gala. This next gala will be held Feb. 3 at Olive Palace Banquets in Mount Prospect. Courtesy of village of Mount Prospect

Mount Prospect Police Officer Greg Sill with therapy dog Charlie. Sill is this year's Public Service Award winner. Courtesy of village of Mount Prospect

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