NSSRA Set to Celebrate Its “Shining Stars” at Annual Recognition Event

Thomas Jachtorowycz of Glenview, NSSRA’s Youth Participant of the Year, at a Gator track and field practice prior to the Illinois Special Olympics State Summer Games.

Download PDF
Media: View NSSRA’s Annual Video • 2017 Photos

Northbrook, IL – April 13, 2018 – NSSRA will hold its annual Shining Stars Awards & Recognition Banquet on Friday, April 20 at the Hilton Chicago/Northbrook. With nearly 400 participants, family members, staff, board members, supporters and partners expected to attend, the annual gathering gives NSSRA an opportunity to recognize those who have truly made a difference over the previous year. It’s also a chance to acknowledge and appreciate NSSRA’s families.

At its core, the Shining Stars Banquet is dedicated to celebrating the big and small moments from the previous year; it is an evening marked to share stories.

Thomas Jacktorowycz of Glenview, now 11, has been participating in NSSRA programs since the age of four. Set to receive the Youth Participant of the Year award at next week’s banquet, during the last seven years Jacktorowycz has played at Kids Club, bowled at Brunswick Zone, swam at Park Center and traveled to Lake Geneva for a weekend of fun and adventure with other NSSRA participants. An up and coming NSSRA Gator, last summer he qualified for the first time for the Illinois Special Olympics State Summer Games, competing at Illinois State University as a track and field athlete in the 100 meter run. Cheered by fellow Gators, he sprinted to victory and won gold, an incredible feat for such a young athlete at his first Games.

This story and so many more are what make the evening so meaningful for attendees. Including Jacktorowycz, this year’s celebration will honor eight award winners for their exceptional efforts and commitment to NSSRA in 2017. Award winners are:

City of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation Department (Partner Agency of the Year)
Glenn Binstein Family of Glenview (Friend of the Year)
Glenbrook South High School Peer Mentoring Program (Advocate of the year)
Matsumoto Family of Wilmette (Family of the Year)

NSSRA will also recognize their Volunteer, Program Staff, Gator Athlete and Adult Participant of the Year. The event is sponsored by NSSRA Foundation, with additional support from local businesses, families, community supporters and donors.

Event Information
Shining Stars Awards & Recognition Banquet
Friday, April 20 • 6:00 pm

Hilton Chicago/Northbrook
2855 N. Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook
www.nssra.org/shiningstars

Awards
Partner Agency of the Year
Friend of the Year
Family of the Year
Volunteer of the Year
Advocate of the Year
Program Staff of the Year
Youth Participant of the Year
Gator Athlete of the Year
Adult Participant of the Year

###

NSSRA provides and facilitates year-round recreation programs and services for children, teens and adults with disabilities who live in the partner communities. NSSRA is an extension of ten park districts, two cities and one village in the northern suburbs of Chicago. This partnership includes the Park Districts of Deerfield, Glencoe, Glenview, Highland Park, Kenilworth, Lake Bluff, Northbrook, Northfield, Wilmette and Winnetka; the Cities of Highwood and Lake Forest; and the Village of Riverwoods. NSSRA has been creating an environment of belonging through play since 1970, and has the distinction as the first Special Recreation Association in the country. For more information about NSSRA and the programs and services they provide visit www.nssra.org.

Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association Foundation (NSSRA Foundation) was established in 1997 to support the mission of NSSRA by raising and granting supplemental funding. NSSRA Foundation raises funds throughout the year with all proceeds benefiting the Association. The Foundation, in conjunction with NSSRA, hosts annual events for all donors, supporters and families. The Foundation also raises funds through solicitation of grants and their annual Holiday Appeal. Throughout the year, NSSRA Foundation receives generous support from many individuals, corporations, foundations, businesses and community organizations. For more information about NSSRA Foundation visit www.nssrafoundation.org.