NEW HOPE ANNUAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

 

On Friday, November 30, New Hope Center held its annual holiday celebration at Villa De Bruno in Lynwood, Illinois. We had record-breaking attendance this year as over 275 guests joined us for a sensational evening.

 

New Hope's Annual Holiday Celebration is not only a time for the New Hope family to celebrate the year's accomplishments, but it's also the event where our annual participant art design and staff recognition awards are presented.  Awards were presented by Executive Director Tim Knapp and Board Chairman Ned Horney.

 

The following are this year's art design achievement winners:

 

Main Campus (and overall winner):   Nicholas Smith Senior Program:   Alice Bilinski West Campus:   Marquita Williams

 

As overall winner, Nicholas Smith's design was featured on this year's New Hope Center holiday cards.  Nick's design was very impressive, as it featured 21 different flags from other nations, Santa, his reindeer and a few snowmen, a view of our mother earth, and the phrase, "Happy International Holidays."  Thank you, Nick, for your profound message of international peace during the holiday season.

 

The following are this year's staff achievement winners:

 

Rookie of the Year:   Maria Infante       The Carole VanderLugt DSP Awards     For Community Support Services:   Carrie Hamstra For Developmental Training Services:   James Blade For Residential Services:   Kathleen Flynn       Administrative/Support Person of the Year:   Kimberlee Brewerton Employer of the Year:   Jewel Food Store, Homewood, IL

 

Each employee of New Hope Center who received an award was given a $500 gift from the Board of Directors as a token of their appreciation.  Congratulations to all these winners as their service and dedication toward New Hope Center and persons with developmental disabilities is truly admirable and warrants this recognition.

Immediately following our awards presentations, we handed the microphone Rick Magno, Grand Commander of The International Order of the Alhambra, Zirita Caravan.  He and some of their members stepped up to the podium and announced that they are making another $10,000 donation to New Hope to help fund the purchase of new furniture and bedding in some of our group homes.

We had a surprise visit by Santa again, who was spreading holiday cheer and passing out candy. Musical Memories Disc Jockey Services entertained us with our favorite dance selections.  The musical instrument props and glow lights were a huge hit.  The music played on as many people embraced in the fellowship of friends and family.

 

New Hope Center wishes to thank Barb and Larry Kornas for their hard work on this year’s celebration. Barb wishes to thank Nora Stone, Buddy & Linda Johnson for their assistance with this year’s event. Especially, we wish to thank everyone who attended this year’s celebration. We look forward to another great year!