Governor Quinn Recognizes Contributions of Volunteers with Governor’s Home Town Awards
Sauk Valley Food Bank Awarded 2009 Governor’s Cup
SPRINGFIELD, IL – October 30, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — Governor Pat Quinn today recognized hundreds of volunteers for their hard work and dedication towards improving their communities. The Governor’s Home Town Awards were given for 46 projects during a ceremony at the Executive Mansion in Springfield.
“I salute the citizens across Illinois who dedicate their time and energy to improving their communities,” said Governor Quinn. “The Governor’s Home Town Awards are one small way we can recognize the contributions of these outstanding citizens.”
The Governor’s Home Town Award recipients were chosen by a group of volunteer judges who reviewed and ranked applications based on local need, volunteer participation, project continuity and results. The judges then visited the communities and selected one project from each population category to compete for the coveted Governor’s Cup. The Governor’s Cup is a traveling silver trophy presented to the community whose efforts were deemed most representative of the spirit of Illinois volunteerism.
The Sauk Valley Food Bank in Whiteside County was chosen as the 2009 Governor’s Cup award winner. The food bank opened in 2001 in response to the closure of a major employer in the county. Since opening, the organization has distributed food to more than 100 pantries, organizations and thousands of needy individuals.
The projects were judged within their population category as well as within an assigned project category, such as Parks and Recreation, Veteran’s Involvement, Youth Involvement, Senior Citizen Involvement and Clean-up/Beautification. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) administers the Governor’s Home Town Awards Program.
Each of the award-winning communities receives a road sign and plaque recognizing its efforts. The Governor’s Cup winner receives the traveling trophy and a unique road sign that proclaims its status as the overall winner. (Complete List of All Winners)
