Make-A-Wish® Illinois Recognizes Outstanding Volunteers This National Volunteer Week

During National Volunteer Week (April 17-23, 2022), Make-A-Wish Illinois is recognizing and celebrating the contributions of several outstanding volunteers across the state who create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

Make-A-Wish Illinois thanks each of these volunteers who share their time and talent to restore hope to wish children and their families through their varied and critical contributions.

  • Local Partnership Award – Bobby Taylor (Peoria)
  • Exceptional Creativity Award – Rick Planos (Schaumburg)
  • Commitment to Community, Individual Award – Amber Nolan (Hinsdale)
  • Commitment to Community, Group Award – Boxless Media/Jason Baumann (Brookfield)
  • Volunteer Fundraiser, Community Events– Rob and Nancy Northrip (Long Grove)
  • Volunteer Fundraiser, Wish Ball – Janis Douglas (Buffalo Grove)
  • Volunteer Fundraiser, Associate Board – Claire Smego (Downers Grove)
  • Volunteer Fundraiser, Walk for Wishes – Kate Vittore (Libertyville)
  • Wish Volunteer Impact Award – Melissa Akinlawon (Chicago)
  • Agile Award –Erin DeFrieze (Silvis) and Jen Dosch (Lake Villa)
     
2022 Volunteer Awards

Our 2022 Volunteer Award winners speak briefly about why they volunteer for Make-A-Wish.

Volunteer Award Profiles

Bobby Taylor, Peoria

Bobby Taylor, Peoria

Central Illinois contractor brings wish visions to life.

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Rob and Nancy Northrip

Rob and Nancy Northrip, Long Grove

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Melissa Akinlawon, Chicago

Melissa Akinlawon, Chicago

Providing support to wish families creates lasting bonds and the motivation to help even more families.

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