Volunteers Recognized for Outstanding Dedication at 2022 Appreciation Event

On September 11, 2022, we gathered to celebrate the outstanding team of volunteers who bring the comforts of home and community to families served by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana. Our volunteers play an integral role in our mission to help families get better together, and through their gifts of time and talent, they continually inspire us with their ongoing commitment and drive to support families when they need it most.

During the event, three individuals were recognized for their exceptional contributions by being recognized this year’s volunteer award winners.

This year’s Ann Eppen Initiative Award went to Celine Hovde. A weekly Team Volunteer over the last seven years at our Ronald McDonald House near Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, Celine is known for her unwavering flexibility and willingness to jump in at a moment’s notice with a smile.

The winner of the Lorraine McCleverty Spirit Award was Kelly Pontius. Kelly donates her time in multiple ways – as an individual volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s, as an active member of the Red Shoe Society, as a Culinary Hearts volunteer with Tyson colleagues and as a Chicago Marathon participant on behalf of Team RMHC. Kelly touches many parts of the organization and is tireless in her efforts to support the mission.

The Adrianne Chunowitz Commitment Award, earned by Matt Clarage, recognizes volunteers who have shown dedication to the organization through exceptional service and commitment. Matt, a volunteer for the last seven years in our Meals from the Heart program, has gone above and beyond in engaging his network to consistently have meal groups at the Ronald McDonald House near Advocate Children’s Hospital. And when he can’t get volunteers on-site, he arranges for the donation of a catered meal! Through these efforts, Matt has provided 27 meals for families in the last two years alone.

Thank you, Celine, Kelly and Matt, and all our volunteers, for your contributions to helping families get better together.

Learn how you can get involved and help families get better together.