The 2021 Do Something Great Award Recipients Announced
Awards honor Macon County residents making a difference in our community
Thirteen area residents and one health care center have been named recipients of the 2021 Do Something Great Awards, an annual program recognizing Macon County residents and organizations who have made significant positive impact on our community, especially during the past year. Now in its 17th year, the program is sponsored by The Community Foundation of Macon County (CFMC). This year, awardees were honored in eight categories, including the new category of Outstanding Philanthropic Support of the Arts. The 2021 recipients are listed below.
“The last year was one of radical change, rapid pivots and resounding support for our community, all made by our local leaders and philanthropists in response to the challenges presented by COVID-19,” says Natalie Beck, CFMC president. “This year’s Do Something Great honorees are amazing individuals representing the very best of our community. They stepped up to meet these challenges head-on with courage, creativity and fortitude. They are our heroes.”
All awardees and their guests will be honored at a presentation luncheon held Tuesday, Aug. 17. Media are encouraged to attend the awards ceremony.
For more information about the Do Something Great awards program, call Natalie Beck at 217.429.3000 or send an email to nbeck@maconcountygives.org. To view a list of past recipients, visit www.heartofillinois.org/award-recipients.
The 2021 Do Something Great Awards
Award of Excellence for 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.
Evelyn Hood, nominated by Rich Hansen, AACGS board member
Evelyn Hood founded the African-American Cultural & Genealogical Society of Illinois (AACGS) in Decatur nearly 30 years ago to bring awareness of the African-American experience and appreciation of African culture and genealogy studies. She led Decatur’s first Juneteenth celebration 28 years before it was recognized as a federal holiday. Her passion and dedicated service enriches both AACGS and our community.
Outstanding Young Philanthropist
Award recognizes service by an individual under age 40 who demonstrates outstanding commitment to the community through direct financial support, development of charitable programs, volunteerism and leadership in philanthropy.
BJ Leonard, nominated by First Christian Church
BJ Leonard, a pastor at First Christian Church for more than a decade, leads CLUB 305, a volunteer tutoring team at Parsons Elementary School. He and his family have an invested role in urban ministry, living within the inner city to help reach out to and provide support to Decatur’s citizens living within that area.
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.
John Mickler, nominated by MRI
James “Jim” Neff, nominated by Millikin University
Dr. Isaac Zuniga, nominated by Boys & Girls Club of Decatur (BGC)
John Mickler, a longtime member of MRI’s board, currently serves as the board’s president. As an advocate of programs to enhance the quality of life for those with developmental disabilities, his knowledge and commitment were cited as exemplary.
Jim Neff has demonstrated his commitment to our community by offering his generous financial support and extensive knowledge and expertise in sound financial decision-making by serving on multiple boards within the area.
Dr. Zuniga, vice chair of the BGC board, was instrumental in bringing a new playground to the Decatur community and inspiring numerous donors and volunteers to support the project. He also has donated countless hours of his own in support of BGC.
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.
Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois, nominated by KERBYSTRONG
Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois (CCSI), the largest interdisciplinary oncology/hematology practice in Illinois outside of Chicago, was founded in Decatur by medical oncologist James Wade III, M.D., in 1984 and provides care for thousands of area patients throughout multiple locations in Central and Southern Illinois. Through CCSI’s Charitable Fund and Scholarship Program, memorial gifts and other donations support several cancer-related activities, including Cancer Survivors Day, American Cancer Society Relay for Life and other events and programs that create awareness and provide education for cancer patients and their families. The fund also helps provide educational opportunities for individuals currently in or pursuing careers in oncology or hematology services.
Outstanding Philanthropic Support of the Arts (award new for 2021)
Award honors creators, conceivers, radical thinking and risk-takers providing philanthropic support to the arts in Macon County.
Dr. Paul and Shirley Stanley, nominated by Millikin University
The Stanleys have repeatedly demonstrated their dedication and love of our community through their more than 45 years of service and commitment to numerous local projects, especially in support of the fine arts. Most recently, the couple provided major support for the construction of Millikin’s new Center for Theatre and Dance.
COVID-19 Hero
Award presented to an individual whose actions have made a significantly positive impact on Macon County’s pandemic crisis response.
Tim Kater and Bob and Tina Rubin, nominated by The Community Foundation of Macon County
Following the death of Danielle “Dani” Kater last November from COVID-19 complications, her parents and husband, Bob and Tina Rubin and Tim Kater, created a memorial fund in her name that supplied free COVID-19 Care Kits to Macon County individuals who tested positive for the coronavirus. They also actively advocated for distribution of the kits to help save lives.
The Ray Batman Nonprofit Professional of the Year Award
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.
Tanya Andricks, RN, BSN, MHA, nominated by Crossing Healthcare
As CEO of Crossing Healthcare, Andricks led her team to increased excellence in meeting the challenge of providing high quality, accessible health care for Decatur and Macon County, especially during the time of COVID-19 hazards and restrictions. Named a State of Illinois COVID-19 testing site, Crossing had to implement major changes in an extremely short amount of time. All this was done by Tanya and her dedicated staff while still meeting the day-to-day health care needs of their regular patients.
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.
James and Mary Comerford, nominated by MRI
The Comerfords lead by example and are an inspiring example of what it means to be good philanthropists. Through their donations of countless volunteer hours and ongoing financial support, the couple has supported numerous programs and organizations in our community, including MRI. The couple also founded WDCR Decatur Catholic Radio, and Jim was a founding father of Central Illinois Special Olympics, which was established in our area in 1972.