Pair of Elgin men up for $1 million prize for service

The construction business hasn't been kind to Rick Schar, who's been mostly out of work for nearly two years.

Now, because of what he's done to help others, the Elgin man has a chance to win $500,000 to change his life.

Schar is one of 10 finalists for the Lenox Extra Mile Hero award, which honors individuals who help the community.

Longtime Bartlett community volunteer Roy Engstrom also up for the prize awarded by Lenox, an industrial tool company.

Online voting, which will determine the winner, has already started and will continue until April 30 at lenoxhero.com/voting.aspx.

Except for a few small jobs, Schar's been unemployed since May 2007 when he was laid off by an area homebuilder. Super Bowl Sunday was a rare bright spot for the die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan, who's a father of two.

Schar's nephew, Rolling Meadows war hero Bryan Anderson, nominated his uncle. Schar spent countless hours remodeling the house Anderson returned to in 2006 after war injuries in Baghdad forced the amputations of his legs and left arm. The home was outfitted with various features to allow Anderson optimal mobility.

"When I think about it today, it was the thing I'm most proud of, without a doubt," Schar said.

Anderson, who recently had a small speaking part in the Oscar-nominated film "The Wrestler," gushed with pride about his Uncle Rick.

"I think the Lenox Hero Award is a great idea, helping to recognize people that aren't getting any recognition," Anderson said.

Anderson also touted Engstrom's accomplishments, noting how two finalists in a competition that drew 600 nominations live in the same city. Finalists have already earned a $3,100 prize.

"It's great people are doing good things for other people," Anderson said.

Engstrom earned his nomination for his work helping children who are hearing- and vision-impaired. He founded a Bartlett staple, the annual Lions Club Golf Outing, which since 1992 has raised $100,000. He also helped grow the Bartlett Little League from four teams to the largest program in the country. Engstrom said he'd wanted to become a minister, but when that didn't work, he turned to charity work.

"We're here on earth for a reason," he said. "God didn't put us here for nothing."

Engstrom, a retired carpenter, has spent nearly four decades in the Bartlett area, currently living in Elgin. He was also an early volunteer for the Bartlett Park District.

"I'm proud of being a Lion," Engstrom said. "I'm happy I get things done and help people out."

After reading about the award, fellow Lions Club member Anthony Troyka immediately thought of his friend and sent in a nomination.

"He's donated more labor and material than anyone can remember," Troyka wrote in an essay submitted to Lenox.

The prize money depends on the performance of Lenox-sponsored NASCAR driver Jeff Burton, who wears No. 31. If on June 28 Burton wins the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Lenox Industrial Tools 301, the Lenox Hero will receive a split of $1 million, with the other half going to a charity of the winner's choice. Otherwise the winner receives $31,000, with a match to his charity of choice.

Engstrom picked the Lions Club as his charity, while Schar selected USA Cares, which helps servicemen and women and their families. Finalists were also awarded tickets to the race in New Hampshire to watch Burton. The grand prize will be awarded at the race.