Approximately 170 supporters of Abilities Plus gathered on Oct. 23, at the Annawan Banquet Center for the agency’s annual awards dinner to celebrate another successful year helping those in need.
According to a news release from the agency, “the evening provided an opportunity to recognize those individuals and organizations that have gone above and beyond to serve the needs of individuals with delays and disabilities in Henry and Stark counties.”
The 2025 award winners are:
Achiever of the Year – Matt Morrissey, Wyoming. Matt is the first to step up when the cleaning crews need someone to sub or go on a new crew. He will go on two crews on the same day. He knows what is expected of him on the cleaning crews and other jobs. He works on his goals without being asked. The Abilities Plus staff enjoys hearing about his many adventures and is good-natured with the teasing of staff with his quick wit. Matt and another client hand-decorated over 600 Christmas wreaths last year. He is well deserving of the Achiever of the Year award.
Business Award – Loving Bottoms Diaper Bank, Galesburg. The business award recognizes a business that has partnered with Abilities Plus to provide products or services that enhance our Children’s Services Program. Our Children’s Services department focuses on strengthening parent-child interactions, promoting healthy child development, and supporting overall family well-being. A vital part of that well-being includes connecting families with essential resources, one of the most important being access to diapers. Loving Bottoms Diaper Bank is a remarkable non-profit organization that we have had the privilege of partnering with. Loving Bottoms Diaper Bank provides diapers and feminine hygiene products at no cost to our families. In addition, they have generously supplied other essential items such as formula, wipes, hand sanitizer, laundry detergent, and breastfeeding supplies. These contributions make a meaningful difference in the lives of the families we serve and reflect the compassion and community spiri
Civic/Community Award – Eddie Toliver and the Kewanee Salvation Army. The Kewanee Salvation Army has played a vital role in supporting the families of our Children’s Services department, and overall family well-being. Through their generosity and commitment, they have made a meaningful impact on our Children’s Services Program. They have assisted families with utility bills, rent, clothing, furniture, appliances and essential school supplies. During the holiday season, they’ve provided Thanksgiving meals and brought joy to children through the Angel Tree program with Christmas gifts. We are grateful for all they do for Abilities Plus and our community.
Directors Award – Peggy Hand (Posthumously), Bradford. Peggy was our lead volunteer in charge of our Resale Shop for over 40 years. She was dedicated to our mission, was a wonderful friend to our organization, a great leader to the other volunteers and always had a smile on her face when you stopped in the shop. Peggy embodied the true spirit of volunteerism. She spent countless hours at the Resale Shop ensuring everything was done. Her dedication and loyalty to Abilities Plus was amazing. We know our Resale Shop ran smoothly due to her hard work. We are grateful to have known her and privileged to have had her as part of our lives.
Gary German Memorial Award – Cindy Hansen, Kewanee. The Gary German Memorial Award was established in 1997 in memory of Gary German and is given to one Special Olympic Athlete each year. Gary was one of the original clients to receive services from the agency 65 years ago, and he loved participating in our Special Olympic program, often assisted and cheered on by past agency founder, volunteer, and his mother, Jean German. The award goes to one athlete each year who exhibits good sportsmanship, enthusiasm and encouragement with other athletes, has good attendance at practices and events, and abides by the Special Olympic motto: “Let me win. But, if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
Cindy Hansen was chosen as this year’s recipient because she exhibits the qualities this award was named for. Cindy qualified for nationals with her times. She was a great teammate, competed well, helped others get ready and be where they needed to be and cheered them on. She also helped coaches at practice with whatever was asked.
Posthumous Award – Eddie DePauw, Geneseo. Though Eddie is no longer with us, his spirit continues to shine brightly through the memories he left behind. Eddie was more than someone we had the privilege to support – he was a friend and an inspiration. Eddie knew no strangers and everyone that met him loved him. His smile lit up a room. He had a great sense of humor and loved to tease people. Eddie’s family was a constant source of encouragement, advocacy, and care. They were with him through every triumph, every challenge, and every joy. Their love and devotion reflected the very best of what it means to be a family. By giving this award to Eddie’s family on his behalf, we honor Eddie’s life and the joy he brought into the world.
Special Recognition Award – Jon Looney, Kewanee. Jon has been an invaluable part of our mission for the last 10 years by being a part of our board of directors and giving generously of his time, insight and expertise. He has helped guide Abilities Plus through challenges and successes, always keeping our mission – and the people we serve – at the center of every decision. We are grateful he has believed in us, guided us and helped become who we are today.
Special Recognition Award – Dr. Randall Mullin, Geneseo. Dr. Mullin has been a pleasure to work with on the Abilities Plus board of directors. His wit, sense of humor and kindness puts everyone at ease. He is a true champion for Abilities Plus, the people we serve, and the staff. Upon his retirement from the board, Dr. Mullin stated that his favorite part of working with Abilities Plus was not the meetings where we were separated from the clients, it was all the time spent among the clients. He stated, “That’s what helped me to grow. Not the results of my time spent, but the gratitude for being the recipient of time spent.”
Volunteer Award – Scott Prescott, Kewanee. Scott stepped up to be our Special Olympic coach when we needed help and that’s what a true volunteer does. But he has stepped into more than a coaching role for our agency. He has assisted us in agency projects and repairs during the interim between maintenance specialists. Scott not only shows up for our athletes but represents our agency by helping at the Open House, our Resource Fair and our golf outing. He is truly someone who volunteers for the enjoyment of helping others and not for any recognition.
“We are so grateful for his dedication and time to our agency,” the news release read.
