Volunteers Recognized at Palatine Park District Annual Recognition Luncheon

February 10, 2023

Palatine Park District recognized the tremendous efforts of its volunteer organizations at its annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon on Saturday, February 4. Volunteers from affiliate groups and associated organizations of the District were honored for their countless hours of giving back. Volunteers were chosen by each organization for service during the 2022 calendar year.

The individuals named as the Volunteer of the Year by their organization are:

• Ralph Banasiak, Bike Palatine Club
• Kirsten Brogan, Palatine Stables
• Jerry Christoph, Palatine Celtic Soccer Club
• Brian Dombroski, Palatine Tiger Sharks Swim Team
• Rob Douglass, Penguins Lacrosse
• Robin Dubin, Palatine Pickleball Club
• Brent Elstrom, Palatine Amateur Football Association
• Jake Kobler, Palatine Gymnastics
• Bill Little, Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council
• Sue Minott, Palatine Historical Society
• Mike Podgorny Jr, Palatine Youth Baseball/Softball Association

Also honored were:

• Greg Brunks, Palatine Hills Golf Association
• Jeff Czaplewski, Rolling Meadows Renegades Hockey
• Sally Rossetti, Palatine Celtic Soccer, was recognized with The Spotlight Award. This award shines the light on exemplary service efforts. Rossetti, who passed away in 2017, served on the Club’s Board of Directors and helped to position the Palatine Celtic Soccer Club as a premier travel program.

Greg Brunks, Palatine Hills Golf Association, was inducted into the Honor Roll. Brunks has over 14 years of service and has served on the PHGA Board of Directors for the past four years. He was key in the development of the PHGA website.

To be considered for the Honor Roll, a volunteer must have held a leadership position in an organization (or organizations) for a significant number of years. Honor Roll members must also have demonstrated an outstanding contribution to their organization. Annually, the Honor Roll Committee reviews all past and current volunteers of the year and provides recommendations to Palatine Park District Board of Commissioners for Honor Roll consideration.

Palatine Park District Executive Director Mike Clark served as the keynote speaker for the luncheon, held at The Cotillion Banquets, 360 S. Creekside Drive, in Palatine. “It is the culmination of this collected group and all the individuals involved that give back to the community and invest in the humanistic side of the volunteer spirit that makes this event and the Palatine community so special. When you think of the time, talents and compassion that each person in this room gives to others, it provides a sense of hope and light for a better world and the community at large,” said Clark. He added, “without volunteers we would have to hire staff and also may not be able to provide as many opportunities and special events to the Palatine community.”

The mission of Palatine Park District is to provide a variety of safe, enjoyable, and affordable parks, programs, and recreational facilities that will enhance the quality of life by promoting good health and well-being for all residents and visitors while being fiscally responsible stewards of community assets and tax dollars.