Village of Schaumburg
39th Volunteer of the Year Awards Luncheon
April 20 or 21, 2027

National Volunteer Week is celebrated annually during the third week of April and next year it will be observed from April 18 to 24, 2027. This week-long celebration is about placing a spotlight on individuals whose invaluable kindness through volunteering are bettering our community. The 39th Volunteer of the Year Awards Luncheon will recognize adults, young people, and organizations that, through volunteer efforts, help to make Schaumburg a better place.

Volunteerism is central to what makes Schaumburg the vibrant community that it is. Schaumburg's 20+ committees and commissions are all comprised of volunteers. Volunteers organize and operate Septemberfest. Volunteers serve as members of the Village’s Plan Commission, Zoning Board, and Bikeways Committee.

The number of volunteers that serve in these positions is small in comparison to the number of people who volunteer, day after day, throughout the community including local businesses. Please take some time on behalf of volunteers and nominate an adult, a Junior High or High School age student and/or a worthy organization for recognition. We want to celebrate the good that people are doing and the fine work that volunteer organizations are involved in. Help us give them the recognition they deserve!

Submit a nomination next year in one or more categories:

• Adult Volunteer
• Volunteer Organization
• Youth Volunteer (junior high or high school age)
  Attention Schools: Nominate a Student to Represent Your School! Which school in  District 54 or 211 will take home the award and scholarship next year? We are hopeful each high school and junior high school will be represented! 

Nominees can represent social, civic, religious, community, school, and nonprofit organizations within the Village of Schaumburg and Schaumburg Township community including local businesses. Any adult, junior high or high school age youth and organization volunteering within the Village of Schaumburg and Township of Schaumburg are eligible if there is a connection to Schaumburg. People may nominate an individual from an organization and/or the organization itself! We encourage local businesses to get involved and nominate a volunteer! 

Winners will be selected by a panel of judges after nominations from the residential and business communities are reviewed.

• All nominees will receive a certificate of merit and an invitation to attend the luncheon free of charge as a guest of the Village. Nominated organizations may have one person attend the luncheon free of charge to represent the group. Additional reservations may be placed for others who would like to attend for a fee of $40 plus processing fees per person. 
  
  
• Each of the three winners (one in each category of adult, organization, and youth) will also receive an award.
  
  
• The Schaumburg-Hoffman Lions Club will be awarding a $2,500 scholarship to the Schaumburg Youth Volunteer of the Year to promote civic participation and volunteer service within the community.

Volunteer of the Year Awards Luncheon
April 20 or 21, 2027
11:30 a.m. - Cash Bar
12 to approximately 2:30 p.m. - Luncheon, Keynote Speech & Awards

Maggiano’s Little Italy Schaumburg
(Avellino, Bellagio and Calabria Banquet Rooms located upstairs)
1901 E. Woodfield Road
Schaumburg, IL 60173

For more information, email the Schaumburg Special Events Coordinator or call 847-923-3605.

Molly Grisham, Experiential Facilitator,
keynote speaker at the 2026 event.

 

The 38th Volunteer of the Year Awards Luncheon recognized adults, young people, and organizations that, through volunteer efforts, help to make Schaumburg a better place. 

2026 Volunteer of the Year Winners
In the words of those who nominated them

Volunteer of the Year
Michael J. Tracy
Nominated by Francis R. Mucci

Mr. Tracy is deliberate in his volunteer activities. A man who has had a successful life himself, Mike is passionate to help others in the community and give back to those who need assistance to pursue their own happiness in life. Mike is always there to help with the Special Olympics, Basket brigade, Local food pantries, teach driver safety and new car technology to seniors. Mike also participates in all Citizens Police Academy fundraising events and Septemberfest. Mike's volunteer efforts help the public and secular sector of the Schaumburg community. Mike is a prominent and successful member of the Knights of Columbus, where the fruits of his efforts help widows and children. Mike is driven by his heart and compassion for others. Just spend 5 minutes talking to Mike, and not only will you hear his sincerity, but his passion to "give back".

Organization of the Year

Pink Tie Ball Committee of the Schaumburg Professional Firefighters Benevolent Association

Nominated by Nicholas Rivera with the Schaumburg Professional Firefighters Benevolent Association

The Pink Tie Ball Committee of the Schaumburg Professional Firefighters Benevolent Association is being recognized for over a decade of extraordinary volunteer service through their annual Pink Tie Ball fundraiser. 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. 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. Their efforts not only generate critical funding but also strengthen community partnerships and raise awareness about the impact of cancer within both the fire service and the community. Through their leadership, dedication, and commitment to helping others both on and off duty, the Pink Tie Ball Committee continues to make a lasting and meaningful difference in the lives of those facing cancer.

Youth Volunteer of the Year
Michael-Christopher Suman
Nominated by Hannah Kutchek

Michael-Christopher Suman is a high school student and founder of Detailing for MCAS, a volunteer initiative rooted in Schaumburg that supports individuals affected by rare immune disorders. Inspired by his mother’s experience with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, he began organizing student-led fundraising and care package efforts to raise awareness and provide support to families navigating similar challenges. As a student, he personally plans and participates in local events, dedicating consistent time to coordinating volunteers, assembling care packages, and engaging the community. 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.

Previous Winners

Adult / Organization / Youth

• 2026 Michael J. Tracy / Pink Tie Ball Committee of the Schaumburg Professional Firefighters Benevolent Association / Michael-Christopher Suman

• 2025 Jim McKenzie / WINGS Program, Inc. / Anna Ekstowicz

• 2024 Tony & Sandy Meo / Schaumburg Community Garden Club / Ericka Serio

• 2023 William Clark / Hindu Swaymsevak Sangh USA - Schaumburg Chapter (HSS) / Anmay Gupta

• 2022 Kathy Ray / Hoffman-Schaumburg Knights of Columbus Council 6964 / Esees Komal, Meera Pradeepan & Araha Uday

• 2021 Canceled due to COVID

• 2020 Katherine Griffis / Kenneth Young Center Youth Advisory Council (KYC--YAC) / 
  Matthew Williams

• 2019 Helen Jerusis / District 54 Education Foundation / Sarah Mathias

• 2018 Charley Shroyer / Robert Frost Junior High Interact Club / Emily Staudt

• 2017 Herb Demmel / Adult Transition Program South (ATP) / Calandra Bessemer

• 2016 Katy Garcia / Church of the Holy Spirit Food Pantry / Jocelyn Huey

• 2015 Lynn Eikenbary / Schaumburg MOMS Club / Elizabeth Einig

• 2014 Teri Dudasik / Schaumburg Professional Firefighters Benevolent Association (SPFBA) / Amanda Mytych & Sania Zaffar

• 2013 Harold Sterling / Sons and Daughters of Italy in America / Isha Jog

• 2012 Dan & Debbie Gallagher / Feed My Starving Children / Iza Gawel

• 2011 Richard A. "Bud" Napier / Assurance Caring Together (ACT) Committee / Jay Flynn

• 2010 Larry & René Netzer / Ala Carte Entertainment Volunteer Program for SLSF & the Ala Carte Entertainment - NWSRA Golf Classic / Lisa Caponigri

• 2009 Carol Hall / Clearbrook PAL Program / Payal Shukla

• 2008 Valerie M. Profit / UPS for DownS / Rachael Souza

• 2007 Sara VanDahm / American Legion Post #1983 / Ashley Darnall

• 2006 Ann Long / Motorola Asian Business Council / Matthew Bauer

• 2005 Mary Lynn McGee / Septemberfest Committee / Susan Thomas

• 2004 LaVerne Horgan / Spring Valley Concert Band / Mallory Scholpp

• 2003 Mary Nagy / VFW Post 2202 / Ashley Kehoe

• 2002 Marinell Napier / Prairie Center Arts Foundation & Friends of the Prairie Center

• 2001 Nelson McRoberts / Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association of Schaumburg (CPAAAS)

• 2000 JoAnn Owens / Rotary Club of Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates

• 1999 Kathy Ary / Schaumburg Jaycees

• 1998 Marilyn Biolchin / Schaumburg Peer Jury

• 1997 Gordon Mazursky / Spring Valley Nature Club

• 1996 Christine Starzynski / Strays Halfway House

• 1995 Geri Czech / Schaumburg Athletic Association

• 1994 Steve Isackson / WACO

• 1993 Bob Cairns / Help Our People Everywhere

• 1992 Everett Stenstrom / Community Nutrition Network

• 1991 Pete Justen / Conant High School Learning through Community Action Program (LCAP)

• 1990 Christine Fenn / Schaumburg-Hoffman Lions

• 1989 Jarnette Dill / Schaumburg Jaycees

• 1988 Ruth Park / The United Way