2020 Shining Star Award winners announced

Each year, the Mount Prospect Special Events Commission honors individuals and organizations that have a positive impact on the community by recognizing them with a Shining Star Award. While the pandemic impacted so much of our daily lives in 2020, the one thing it couldn't do was limit the talents, generosity, leadership and inspiration of the people who live and work in Mount Prospect.

The 2020 Shining Star Award winners are:

• Best Neighbor Award: Tom and Nancy Bussan

• Open Arms Award: Mount Prospect Junior Women's Club

• Home Town Award: Joey Carbone

• There Ought to Be More Like This Award: Nick Acerenza

• Invigorated Youth Award: Sam Cannizzaro

• Star Spangled Banner Award: Joe Scanlon

• Community Partner Award: Nicholas & Associates, Inc.

While we are not able to celebrate in person due to the pandemic, the honorees will be introduced in a virtual Shining Star Award Ceremony that will debut on the Village of Mount Prospect's YouTube channel, Facebook page, the Mount Prospect Digital Communication video stream and Channel 17 on Comcast and WOW. More information on how to tune in on will be provided on the village website, www.mountprospect.org as the date gets closer.

In place of the annual gala that is normally held to celebrate these amazing individuals, the Special Events Commission is planning a special way of recognizing their contributions to Mount Prospect and invites everyone to participate. Simply make a purchase of $25 or more from a Mount Prospect restaurant or food establishment on Feb. 6 and submit your receipt via a form on the village website www.mountprospect.org to be entered into a raffle to win $500 in Mount Prospect goodies. Winners will be announced on Monday, Feb. 8.

For information about the Shining Star Awards, visit the village website www.mountprospect.org.