Do Something Great Awards
The 20th Annual Do Something Great Awards ceremony was August 13 at the Mt. Zion Convention Center.
This annual awards program honors amazing individuals and organizations who have made a significant positive impact on Macon County through giving of their time, talent and/or treasure. The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation (HICF) has sponsored this program for the past 20 years.
For more information about the Do Something Great awards program, call Rachel Moran at 217.429.3000 or send an email to rmoran@heartofillinois.org. To view a list of past recipients, visit www.heartofillinois.org/award-recipients.
The 2024 Do Something Great Award Categories:
Award of Excellence in Inclusion
Award honors a nonprofit organization/or individual at the frontier of advancing inclusion and working toward an equitable Macon County community. The nomination should include evidence demonstrating an ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion, to advancing diversity awareness within Macon County, and to serving as an advocate for the interests of underrepresented populations.
Johnette Mitchell, First Mid Bank & Trust VP, Treasury Management Relationship Manager
nominated by Steve Grohne, Partner, MCK CPAs & Advisors
Johnette is being recognized for creating the “Winedown Wednesdaze" community event series for minority-owned businesses in Decatur. Johnette is the Vice President, Treasury Management Relationship Manager at First Mid Bank & Trust. At the bank, Johnette also leads outreach initiatives to provide financial education and mentoring to those underserved in our community. Johnette is a board member at the Boys & Girls Club of Decatur and on the She Gave Women's Giving Circle advisory committee.
Outstanding Young Philanthropist
Award recognizes service by an individual or organization of individuals under age 40 who demonstrates outstanding commitment to the community through direct financial support, development of charitable programs, volunteerism and leadership in philanthropy.
Sophie Schwalbach, Account Manager, Beverage Team Lead at ADM, Founder of The Nick Project
nominated by Nicole DeLiberis, Millikin Director of Campus Life
Sophie is being recognized for her annual Millikin campus initiative created in memory of her late brother, Nick Schwalbach who died during a fraternity house fire in 2000. Sophie began "The Nick Project" in 2015, an event where students receive free fire ladders, carbon dioxide detectors and fire extinguishers. In 2022, Sophie's leadership with "The Nick Project" received special recognition from the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance for establishing a reoccurring community event focused on fire safety and prevention efforts. Sophie earned her MBA and Bachelor’s degrees from Millikin University and was an adjunct professor for the school. She is an account manager at ADM where she also volunteers as a member of ADM's women's ERG committee with a focus on the Dress for Success program.
Outstanding Volunteer/Board Member
Award presented to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, devoted great time and effort to charitable causes, and shown a deep commitment of voluntary action to address community needs.
Chris Ellis, attorney and managing partner Bolen Robinson & Ellis, LLP, board member Old Kings Orchard Community Center
nominated by Lucy Smith, community philanthropist and board member, Old Kings Orchard Community Center
Chris is being recognized for his efforts volunteering with Old King's Orchard Community Center as their board chair. Chris has been instrumental in bringing additional grant funding to OKOCC and developing new community programs. Twenty years ago, Chris was a founding partner of Bolen, Robinson & Ellis, LLP, an area law firm dedicated to excellence, integrity and community service. Chris continues as a managing partner and shares his expertise in helping our community develop more pride in where we live, give and work.
Joe Roundtree, volunteer coordinator, AMELCA weekly food pantry
nominated by Wayne Banfield, AMELCA
Joe is being recognized for his volunteer leadership with the AMELCA food pantry at First Evangelical Lutheran Church. The food pantry, established over 28 years ago by Rev. Betty Joy, operates each Wednesday, 10 a.m. - noon. Joe, who recently celebrated his 81st birthday in May, volunteers weekly to distribute supplemental groceries to those in need. He is also active in fundraising and obtaining food for AMELCA. Despite rising food costs and an increase in the number of people they are serving, Joe said he knows God wouldn't send him somewhere to help without providing the resources.
Outstanding Professional Partner
Award presented to a business/professional partner that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to philanthropy by aiding nonprofit organizations in our community. The nomination should include evidence of direct financial contributions to and/or support of the community, impact of financial support or projects in the community, and specific achievements launched through the corporation’s philanthropic efforts.
Decatur Earthmover Credit Union
nominated by Darsonya Switzer, DOVE CEO and Heart of Illinois Community Foundation
Nominated for their commitment to the community through annual adoption of an area “DECU nonprofit of the year” and this year’s Moving Forward $1 million collaboration with HICF. Each year DECU selects a nonprofit to support via fundraisers, with their 2024 efforts benefiting DOVE. Previous charities of the year: Boys & Girls Club of Decatur, Project Read Plus, The Good Samaritan Inn, Macon Resources, Inc., Macon County CASA, Pawprint Ministries, Child 1st Center, Baby Talk, Dove, Inc. and Homeward Bound Pet Shelter.
Teri Hammel, Executive Director, Decatur Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau
nominated by Jerry Johnson, Decatur Area Arts Council Executive Director
Teri was selected for her commitment to attracting tourism to Macon County; and for her efforts organizing countless events, sporting tournaments and conventions. Even if you don't know Teri personally, you've benefited from her dedication to our community. She led the restoration efforts of the Transfer House in 2020-2021, securing donations of funding, materials and labor. She arranges for the annual holiday lights in downtown Decatur and maintains a special residence at the Transfer House for Santa Claus during the holiday season. Through the advocacy of Teri and the DACVB, boat races returned to Decatur's lake this year. And the Decatur sign outside the Devon, that is another signature Teri project. Along with the tourism dollars she brings into Macon County, Teri and the DACVB also lift the nonprofit sector, partnering with such organizations as the Lincoln Square Theater, Decatur Park District, Decatur Area Arts Council and countless others.
Outstanding Philanthropic Support to the Arts
Award honors creators, conceivers, radical thinking and risk-takers providing philanthropic support to the arts in Macon County.
Dr. Christina Shields, Director of Memory Keeper’s Chorus
nominated by Danielle Diskey, Director of Development & Marketing, Decatur Family YMCA
Dr. Christina Shields has dedicated her life to music - singing, teaching, and conducting. Through her doctoral education in Music Therapy and her personal experience with dementia/Alzheimer's Disease in her own family, she developed a passion for the long-term positive effects that music, and the community created through choral music, can have on persons living with memory loss, as well as their loved ones and caregivers. Memory Keeper's Chorus is the culmination of years of work, planning, preparation, and commitment to supporting this underserved community - providing purpose, socialization, and a place to belong.
Memory Keeper's Chorus was born through a partnership with Dr. Shield's organization, Caring Choirs of Central Illinois, and Decatur Family YMCA. Dr. Shield's expertise and mission combined with the infrastructure and mission of the YMCA have created a meaningful, purpose-driven program that supports persons living with all forms of memory loss in our community - whether from dementia, Alzheimer's Disease, traumatic brain injury, or other causes. When the first session began in September of 2023, there were 17 participants in the chorus. Today they have 34 active singers, which includes those with memory loss, their family members and caregivers, and volunteers. They currently have 2 senior living facilities (Carriage Crossing and Eagle Ridge) that provide transportation for their residents to participate.
The Ray Batman Nonprofit Professional of the Year
Award presented to an individual paid professional who has demonstrated outstanding commitment, dedication and talent toward helping society. This may include (but is not limited to) executive directors, directors of development, program directors and support staff. Additional criteria could include description of achievements specific to providing community assistance during the pandemic. In 2021, this annual award was renamed in memory of the late Ray Batman, longtime executive director of Dove, Inc. Batman was well known throughout the local area as a servant-leader, mentor and community hero whose actions made a positive difference in our community in numerous ways. He died unexpectedly in June 2021.
Jerry Culp, Executive Director of the Macon County Conservation District
nominated by Gussie Reed, MCCD board member
Became Macon County Conservation District’s new director in 2021. For over 25 years, Jerry has been involved in preserving and maintaining open space and natural areas. Throughout his career he has been involved with the acquisition and improvement of over 10,000 acres of land. Jerry has been instrumental in securing monumental grant funding for MCCD– including a 2022 $2.9 million grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation to add 236 acres to Fort Daniel Conservation Area; a 2023 grant of $870,750 from the IDNR to construct an indoor-outdoor classroom in the lower level of the Rock Springs Nature Center, a $300,000 grant in 2023 and a $600,000 grant in 2024 from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant program. Also under Jerry’s leadership, conservation services have been expanded with the city bus route connecting downtown Decatur to Rock Springs, upgrades to bike trails and constructing three wetlands.
Robert and Bev Ketenbrink Community Commitment Award
Award presented to an individual, a couple or a family with a record of exceptional generosity, demonstrated outstanding civic or charitable responsibility, and leadership that has encouraged and motivated others toward roles in philanthropy. This award includes a $1,000 grant to the recipient's charity of choice.
John and Susie Skeffington, community supporters
nominated by Millikin University
Millikin University is pleased to nominate John and Susie Skeffington. John serves Millikin University on its Board of Trustees and is immediate past Chair of the Board.
With the growth of Skeff Distributing over the years, John Skeffington’s company has become a sizable and stable local employer. There is scarcely a community nonprofit organization or significant community effort that has not been significantly boosted by John with his wife Susie, or, under his direction, by the involvement of Skeff Distributing. The WSOY Food Drive, the Decatur Celebration, SummerStart, the Futures Golf tournament, and many other past community events relied upon John, his family and his company for support and promotion. He has led and participated on several community bank, business and nonprofit boards alike as well as other faith-based, county and city, and social organizations including, notably, the Decatur City Council and the Economic Development Corporation. In addition, he coached youth sports for many years. He has also lent his expertise to the community through other volunteer roles, for example by serving as a SCORE counselor. The depth and breadth of his service roles are evidence that John prioritizes serving his community in any and every way he can.
Susie volunteered with Race for the Cure, chairing the 2014 event. She also volunteered with the American Heart Association and Catholic Charities of Decatur.
The presence of John and Susie Skeffington, and Skeff Distributing, have been visible mainstays at major community celebrations, charitable events, adult sporting events, and recreational events for many decades. As described above, they have served nonprofit, commercial and civic organizations alike and have networked extensively, engaging with and encouraging like-minded citizens in a myriad of ways to boost and promote this community. It is well-known in the community that Skeff Distributing promotes employee engagement in all manners of civic and nonprofit endeavors as well, and this is evidence of a top-down commitment.
The following Millikin projects have been supported by John and Susie Skeffington, or by Skeff Distributing, over recent years: Millikin Fund, Big Blue Club, TIPS Program, CAPP Fund, Men’s and Women’s Golf teams, Big Blue Golf outing (major sponsor), and more.
