Schaumburg honors community’s top volunteers of the past year

For the 38th year, the village of Schaumburg recognized the unsung and unpaid heroes applying their skills to making the community a better place for all at the Volunteer of the Year Awards Luncheon at Maggiano’s Wednesday.

The adult winner from among 12 nominees was Michael J. Tracy, while youth volunteer Michael-Christopher Suman received the top honor among 16 nominees.

The organizational award went to the Pink Tie Ball Committee of the Schaumburg Professional Firefighters Benevolent Association from among the nine groups nominated.

Keynote speaker and experiential facilitator Molly Grisham shared stories and insights from her new book, “Meeting the Moment,” that becomes available on her website next week.

But she knew she was speaking to a room of award nominees who already understood that opportunities for quiet selflessness occur every day.

“Our better days are ahead,” Grisham said. “But the work is now. We can’t sit and wait for our better days to arrive. Leaders who meet the moment are leaders who change the world.”

Tracy was recognized as one such example for volunteerism that includes Special Olympics, Basket Brigade, local food pantries, teaching driver safety and new car technology to seniors, Citizens Police Academy fundraising events and Schaumburg’s Septemberfest.

“Mike is a prominent and successful member of the Knights of Columbus, where the fruits of his efforts help widows and children,” wrote nominator Francis R. Mucci. “Mike is driven by his heart and compassion for others. Just spend five minutes talking to Mike, and not only will you hear his sincerity, but his passion to ‘give back.’”

Suman, a high school student, was the first youth winner to also receive a $2,500 scholarship from the Schaumburg-Hoffman Lions Club. Inspired by his mother’s experience with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, he founded Detailing for MCAS — a Schaumburg-based volunteer initiative supporting people affected by rare immune disorders.

“As a student, he personally plans and participates in local events, dedicating consistent time to coordinating volunteers, assembling care packages and engaging the community,” wrote nominator and Conant High School science teacher Hannah Kutchek. “Since its founding, his initiative has helped raise over $100,000 in care package supplies and research support. Balancing school and part-time work, Michael-Christopher continues to mentor fellow students and lead year-round volunteer efforts. His dedication and hands-on service embody the spirit of youth volunteerism in Schaumburg.”

The organizational winner was also recognized for its dedication to improving the lives of people battling illness.

“Now in its 12th year, this firefighter-led initiative has raised more than $500,000 to support cancer research and provide direct assistance to families battling cancer,” wrote nominator Nicholas Rivera. “Committee members volunteer hundreds of hours each year outside of their full-time public safety careers to organize sponsorships, coordinate donations, manage volunteers and execute a 650-person fundraising event that brings together first-responders, local businesses and community members.”