February 6, 2024
Volunteers give of their time and talent to the Palatine Park District; now it’s their turn to be recognized! Palatine Park District celebrated its volunteers at the annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon, Saturday, February 3 at Cotillion Banquets in Palatine.
These volunteers originate from affiliate groups and associated organizations were chosen by each organization for their service during the 2023 calendar year.
The individuals named 2023 Volunteer of the Year by their organizations were:
In addition to the Volunteer of the Year awards, the Spotlight Award was given to volunteer Tony Mulert from Palatine Celtic Soccer. This award is given to “shine a light” on a volunteer who works behind the scenes, providing support to an organization without acknowledgement. According to the Palatine Celtic Soccer organization, Mulert can always “make a situation better”. Mulert has spent several years volunteering with the Celtic Soccer Club. Some examples of his service include coordinating volunteers, building and repairing scoreboards and netted backstops, advocating for the planting of trees, picking up garbage, and raking leaves.
Also, the District inducted Joseph Delaney into the Palatine Park District Honor Roll. To be considered for the Honor Roll, a volunteer must hold a leadership position in an organization (or organizations), have a significant number of years of service, and must demonstrate an outstanding contribution to their organization. Annually, the Honor Roll Committee reviews all past and current volunteers of the year and provides recommendations to the Palatine Park District Board of Commissioners for Honor Roll consideration. Delaney has volunteered with youth sports programs in Palatine for over 12 years. He actively volunteered with Palatine Youth Baseball and Palatine North Little League. He volunteered at Palatine Amateur Football Association (PAFA), where enrollment increased to over 500 children at the time he finished his volunteer service.
