Kankakee Times

AMITA Health St. Mary's Hospital in Kankakee expanded the number of Inspire Award for Community Service handed out for 2020, well, because it was 2020.

Given that last year was outside the norm, hospital administrators and the AMITA Health Kankakee Community Leadership Board recognized 10 individuals — all essential workers who represent hundreds in the community who have served the hospital and society over the trying year that was 2020.

"The Inspire Award is intended to lift up unheralded heroes serving in our community and provide a spark of inspiration to others," president and CEO of AMITA Health St. Mary's Hospital Chris Shride said in a release.

The award is for inspirational leadership and the advancement of the health and well-being of the community.

Hospital administrators and the AMITA Health Kankakee Community Leadership Board decided in January to provide the award to more organizations or individuals instead of the traditional single award.

"It is important to recognize and honor those behind the scenes, who are invaluable to holding our neighborhoods together and advancing the well-being of our neighbors," Shride said.

Individuals honored with the 2020 Inspire Award include John Bobera, Aqua Water Utility Company; Daryl Ferris, Glade Plumbing; Sheldon Jones, U.S Postal Service; Grant Girard, Girard's Ace Hardware; Francisco Isidro, Isidro's Tamales and Taqueria; Eric Johnson, Process Electric; Peggy Michalik, Play Palz 101, Inc.; Shirley Prairie, Berkot's Super Foods, Momence; Dan Stauffenberg, Stauffenberg Farms; and Elizabeth Turn, Kennedy Middle School.