Rockford honors nonprofit and individuals for outstanding community service

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — A nonprofit organization and four individuals were recognized by the Rotarty Club for going above and beyond when serving Rockford’s community.

The Service Above Self Award is the highest honor given by the club for those who have served the community through volunteer work.

One of the recipients of the award was Ted O’Donnell, one of the city’s Fourth of July Committee members.

He said there is only one thing that motivates him most to continue the work he does.

“There’s a satisfaction when you see your community come together to enjoy one of your events. Whether it’s our Fourth of July event or Festival of Lights at Sinnissippi Park,” said O’Donnell. “So, either event we can see thousands of people coming through and enjoying it. The gratification is right there, knowing that we’re doing something good and giving people something to look forward to.”

Here are the other recipients of the Service Above Self Award:

• John Spitzker with Alpine Kiwanis Club
• Susan Fumo with Rockford Promise
• Becky Rundquist with the Rotary Club of Rockford

The winner of the Community Impact Award went to the Stars of Light Program. The program promotes recovery from mental illness using the arts.