Supporters of Abilities Plus gathered at the Annawan Banquet Center to help the organization celebrate another successful year helping those in need at the agency’s annual awards dinner.

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 2023 award winners are:

Civic/Community Award – Kewanee Knights of Columbus. The Knights have been supporting Abilities Plus for over 30 years. They continue to support us yearly through a donation from their annual Tootsie Roll drive, and allow many of our clients to help sell the Tootsie Rolls at businesses around Kewanee.

Volunteer Award – Roberta Cinnamon of Toulon. Roberta began volunteering at our Resale Shop in 2015 and in 2017 became an Agency Board member. She is one of the first people to donate an item to any Agency event including our Open House, Golf Outing and most recently our employee appreciation weeks.

Gary German Memorial Award – Andrea Millner, Kewanee. This 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 59 years ago, and he loved participating in our Special Olympic program. 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.”

Business Award – Big River Resources, Galva. Each year in our Work Services program we recognize a business that has provided substantial and meaningful work training for the people we serve. This year we recognize Big River Resources. Since May of 2019 Big River has brought their confidential documents to our workshop to be shredded. This has given the people we serve the opportunity to improve their work skills and provide a service to the community.

Achiever of the Year – John Selman, Kewanee. In October 2022 our Client Council selected John Selman as the Achiever of the Month. John was selected because he always has a smile on his face and makes everyone smile. John was an original client attending Abilities Plus when we first started in 1959.

Posthumous Award – Dale Dykstra, Kewanee. Dale was an active supporter of many community organizations. He volunteered his time with the Boy Scouts as a troop leader, Kiwanis Club, The American Cancer Society, Library Boards, Masonic Lodge, served as an election judge, and held a volunteer position as a committee member of the Human Rights committee at Abilities Plus for 10 years. Dale provided insight and ideas to the committee as well as compassion and understanding. Dale’s generosity of spirit is a gift that will live on for all of those whose lives he impacted.

Special Recognition Award – Kim Wolf, Annawan. The Special Recognition Award is given to an individual who has made significant contributions to our agency. Kim started working for Abilities Plus on September 7, 1993, deciding to retire in April of this year. She had been health specialist for the children services program, CPR and first aid instructor and respite worker.

Directors Award– Deb Kubinsky, Kewanee. The Directors Award is given to an individual who has made a significant and substantial impact on the agency and/or improved the quality of life of the people we serve. Deb has worked for Abilities Plus for 40 years. Her assignments have included workshop coordinator, safety officer and her current role as director of day services.