Buffalo Grove recognizes resident volunteer efforts
Buffalo Grove celebrated three residents this week through its Caring Community Program, which honors individuals, groups, organizations and programs embodying the village’s brand — “Smart. With Heart.”
Village President Eric Smith presented certificates of recognition during Monday's village board meeting.
Honorees included Adhya Gartapati, a student at Aptakisic Junior High School. At 12 years old, she founded the 4C STEM Club, a nonprofit organization that has engaged hundreds of local students in projects focused on environmental sustainability ranging from prairie restoration to recycling. Now 13, she has logged hundreds of hours of community service and has contributed to the Buffalo Grove Prairie Gardeners and the Environmental Action Team.
“This award isn't just mine. It belongs to every individual who has joined me along in this journey,” she said at the meeting. “Buffalo Grove is truly a community that helps and uplifts youth change makers.”
Another honoree, Gina Kapinos, supports her daughter with special needs while making a difference in neighbors’ lives, including offering support to a family affected by dementia. She has also become the go-to neighbor for assistance with everything from computer problems to gardening needs.
“I was very surprised, but very honored,” Kapinos said of receiving the recognition. “I told my neighbor, ‘I don't need accolades. I'm always here for you for whatever you need.’”
Kapinos also serves as finance manager for Special Gifts Theatre in Northbrook, which provides musical theater programming for children and adults with disabilities.
“It's a really cool program. At the end of the program, the kids put on a full-blown musical,” Kapinos said. “It really does change their lives for the better.”
The third honoree, Rob Klawans, has become an indispensable part of GiveNKind, which connects donated goods with nonprofit organizations. He has volunteered three days a week since 2022 to help distribute millions of dollars in donated goods to more than 750 nonprofits across the region. His dedication earned him the 2024 Presidential Volunteer Gold Service Award for logging more than 500 volunteer hours. He also serves on GiveNKind’s board of directors.
After a 37-year career as a trader at the Chicago Board of Trade, Klawans retired and found volunteer service during COVID-19, when his wife Ellen, an active volunteer, encouraged him to give back. “I was at home during COVID, not doing much, and my wife said, 'You should volunteer somewhere,'” Klawans said.
The goal of the Caring Community Program, Smith said, is “to foster community spirit and encourage engagement in the community and strengthen and reinforce Buffalo Grove’s ‘Smart. With Heart.’ identity.”