Volunteers honored at Elgin's 43rd annual ‘Thanks and Giving’ luncheon

Over 100 people gathered Tuesday in Elgin to honor the unsung efforts of 18 volunteers from area nonprofits.

The Elgin Area Chamber’s 43rd annual “Thanks and Giving” Community Thanksgiving Luncheon highlighted the often behind-the scenes work of volunteers who were nominated by local organizations.

“There are so many unheralded volunteers and this is our opportunity to say thank you to these people who don’t expect to get thanked,” said Carol Gieske, president and CEO of the Elgin Area Chamber.

The list of honorees included:

· Cheryl Alopogianis was honored for her work as fundraising coordinator for Hoof Woof Meow Animal Rescue. She and her team have grown their annual Woofstock event into a $25,000-a-year fundraiser.

· Ruthanne and Andy Bagwell have volunteered as meal donors for PADS of Elgin since 2021. In the summer, they often provide a special cookout meal for shelter guests. They recently organized a fundraising pinball tournament to benefit PADS.

— Sue Campbell of St. Thomas More Catholic School, who was described as a tireless and selfless volunteer who has served as PTO president the past four years.

· Melissa Dotson has volunteered her time to EasterSeals for 13 years, organizing an annual fundraising “Chair-ity” volleyball tournament played in rolling office chairs.

· Vicki Kellenberger has volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem for CASA Kane County for three years and recently helped a group of six siblings with a permanent home.

· Jon Kramp stepped in and held Elgin Theatre Company together when their former president became incapacitated in March, handling the business responsibilities as well as facilitating the September play.

· Bob Malm of Alignment Collaborative for Education was recognized for his “tireless” service and advocacy as well as his work on the operating board of the organization.

· Janet McCarthy has volunteered for Food for Greater Elgin since 2019, logging more 4,000 hours.

· Jim McDermott and Bob Pautsch have worked together as volunteers for Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley for more than 20 years.

· Lynda Mukite and her daughter Sheila have been longtime supporters and volunteers of Community Crisis Center. Sheila started a garden club to help beautify the grounds and Lynda helps with Winter Wear Giveaway.

· Jen Pierce was recognized for her volunteer work as a member of the board and events committee with the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra.

· Linda Rock, a 35-year volunteer with the Elgin History Museum, has served on the board of directors and as president, as well as the education committee. She’s been bringing history to life as various Elgin characters from the past on the Bluff City Cemetery Walk since 1988.

· Jennifer Rome, a volunteer staff member at West Ridge Community Church, was recognized for her work on behalf of the church with Fellowship Housing. The group empowers single mothers facing housing instability.

· Alison Smith started volunteering at Marklund in 2012 while still in high school, which inspired her to pursue a degree in special education. She now volunteers there with her certified therapy dog Dolan.

· Ken Swanson, known at Anderson Humane as the “Mayor of Cat Town,” was honored for his efforts to enrich the lives of animals, guests and volunteers at the shelter since 2016.