ADULT GOOD SAMARITAN HERO
Presented by: The Private Bank
Presented to: Paul & Mike Ruby & Steve Warrenfeltz

Paul Ruby, Steve Warrenfeltz & Mike Ruby

For brothers Paul and Mike Ruby, Hurricane Katrina quickly became personal.

Their college friend Matt Capo lost both his Mississippi home and business to the hurricane. In response, the Ruby brothers decided to put together a "Bash for the Bayou" benefit to raise funds for victims. Despite the threat of on-again, off-again rain, the September 24th event more than lived up to its "bash" billing.

In little over three weeks' time and with the help of Steve Warrenfeltz, owner of Kiss the Sky Records in Batavia, the three partners put together an all-day, 10-band, silent auction, all-the-jambalaya-you-can-eat event at TF Boonies Saloon & Eatery in Geneva. Literally everything that went into staging that bash - from tents, to sound systems, to food, drinks, auction items, music and more - was donated. In the end, a $30,000 target goal swelled to a $43,000 take - 100% of which went to benefit hurricane victims.By all measures, it was a heroic effort on their part. Add in a tight timetable, hundreds of volunteers and donors, and a drenching mid-day downpour and you end up with nothing short of a "men-made" miracle. Although many, many peopled helped make the Bash for the Bayou the success that it was, Paul, Mike and Steve deserve special recognition.

To be sure, this wasn't the first time these brothers and their friends have come to the aid of those in need, but it was certainly the biggest, most spectacular demonstration of their quiet philanthropy. Though they try hard to stay out of the spotlight themselves, it's time they're lauded for being the heroes they are.

YOUTH GOOD SAMARITAN HERO
Presented by: Gordon Flesch Co.
Presented to: Russell Devereaux

Russell Devereaux

Remember that early '70s song "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother?"

Russell Devereaux of St. Charles has lived those lyrics his whole life while loving and caring for his older brother Ryan, rendered profoundly disabled from birth by relentless brutal seizures.

Especially poignant is the verse of the song which begins:

"So on we go, his welfare is my concern. No burden is he to bare, we'll get there" and ends "He ain't heavy, he's my brother."

For Russell Devereaux, being a good brother to Ryan has indeed been a long, long road. Many times, he has had to put off his own wants and needs to be strong (both literally and figuratively) for both of them. But through it all, he continues to distinguish himself not just as a brother but as a caregiver, defender, friend. Not surprisingly, he's also a Peer Leader in school as well as a good friend to many.

Russell is a senior at St. Charles East this year and has dreams as all young men do. Sure, he'd love to go away to college, travel, do so many, many things. For now, the plan is to begin vocational studies at ECC while he finishes high school. Eventually he hopes to work in trauma nursing.

By all accounts, Russell doesn't consider himself to be heroic, even self-sacrificing. His family values are clear: Love each other, do your best, help each other. And so he lifts his brother and does whatever else needs to be done.

No matter what the challenge, "the load doesn't seem to weigh him down at all." He's Ryan's brother and that's what matters.

EDUCATION HERO
Presented by: Colonial Cafe & Ice Cream
Presented to: Mary Bencini

Mary Bencini

According to one avid supporter (and she has many), Mary Bencini is the best of the best education has to offer:

"Her high academic standards have shown countless students the power of books, the love of reading, and the keys to unlocking knowledge that many of them probably never realized they possessed. My own children are avid readers and skilled writers due to the groundwork laid by this dynamo teacher.

"Not only is Mary Bencini a passionate teacher, but she works tirelessly to be a role model for community involvement, as well. Whether by working on the Geneva River Park project, writing letters to shut-ins, or creating placemats for residents of Provena Mercy Care, Mary instills in her students the value of helping, serving others, and answering a call beyond oneself to better the world around them.

"Ms. Bencini's Lunch Bunch, held at the Geneva Public Library on Friday afternoons in the summer, is a chance for kids of all ages to come together, eat lunch, and talk about books. It is not unusual to see middle, even high school students coming back to this weekly event - a true testament to her and the 'job' she does.

"In fact, teaching is not just a job for Mary. Even five years after the fact, she still sends my son congratulatory notes when she sees he's done something noteworthy. And he's not the only one she remembers.

"Simply put, when your kids leave the house in the morning to go to school, you hope that the teachers you leave them with will love, guard, nurture, support, teach, help, accept, and build them with the same care you would. Mary Bencini is that person!"

COMMUNITY SAFETY HERO
Presented by: Shodeen Family Foundation
Presented to: John Stoffa

John Stoffa

Some kids want to be a police officer when they grow up; others, a firefighter. John Stoffa of Geneva became both - and then some.

Retired in 2003 after 30 years of service with the Kane County Sheriff's Department, John recently retired from the Geneva Fire Department where he also served as an EMT and firefighter for 28 years.

Admired by his fellow officers for his compassion, leadership and work ethic, John has also lent his time and talents to The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 14, serving as its President for the past six years. During that time, John tirelessly gave of himself from the goodness of his heart, not for recognition.

Most notably, he has been involved with the F.O.P.'s Shop with a Cop program for the past 19 years, organizing and spearheading fundraising efforts for the last six. Each December, John works with AID (Association for Individual Development), local school districts, and various social service agencies including Jane Shover House and Providence House to identify families that are most in need. Shop with a Cop then sponsors these needy families in cooperation with the Aurora and Elgin Wal-Mart stores. In 2005, 506 local families benefited from John's kindness.

John Stoffa is a shining example of someone who places the needs of others ahead of his own and, in the process, has become an inspiration to all who know him. His endless hard work, compassion for others, and real-life role as Santa make him a Hometown Hero in every sense of the word.

MILITARY HERO
Presented by: FlagSource
Presented to: Jim Gilligan

Jim Gilligan

For the past five years, Jim Gilligan has worked as a Readjustment Counselor for the Department of Veterans Affairs at their Elgin, Chicago Heights and Oak Park locations. Daily, he assists combat veterans from all over Chicagoland who suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder. Jim's therapeutic skills help clients work through the trauma they have experienced in combat so that they can more effectively adjust to civilian life.

This past year, Jim has especially shown his quiet heroism by counseling numerous veterans returning from Iraq with fresh trauma. His six years of service as a U.S. Marine and Desert Storm Veteran have enabled him to not only make a real connection with but also serve as an advocate for these soldiers and their loved ones.

In addition to individual therapy, Jim also conducts therapy for the spouses and families of veterans - services often needed because members of the family are also affected by the combat veteran's experiences of war. By assisting family members to understand posttraumatic stress disorder, the veteran's readjustment can become less difficult.

Going above and beyond the call of duty, a couple of weekends a month Jim takes time out of his schedule to facilitate a "Family Vigil" group for family members who have children or spouses currently serving in Iraq. His insights as a former combat veteran, as well as his abilities to actively listen and empathize, make a positive difference in these people's lives.

While the work that Jim does is very demanding, he thoroughly enjoys it. He believes that by using his God-given talents he can truly make a difference in the lives of our service men and women.
He does. Quietly, effectively and heroically.

MEDICAL HERO
Presented by: Delnor-Community Hospital
Presented to: Delnor Nurses & EMT-Ps

Patricia Dierks	Nancy Faber
Diane Kistinger	Lisa Klonowski

For all their disastrous similarities, the big difference between the aftermath of 9-11 and the 2005 hurricanes can be measured in survivors. After the terrorist attacks, there were few survivors; following Katrina, there were millions -- many with serious medical needs. Unfortunately, the very same hurricane that devastated the general population, also all but obliterated the local medical community as well.

That's when Delnor Hospital nurses Diane Kistinger and Patricia Dierks together with EMT-Ps Lisa Klonowski and Nancy Faber decided to help. Each for her own reason decided to take leave of her job and go to the region to serve in the rescue efforts.

Following two weeks of often grueling duty in Louisiana, Diane, Lisa, Nancy and Patricia came back to describe incredible experiences - difficult living conditions, suturing by flashlight, performing despite little or no sleep, even getting sick themselves. Most amazing, however, were stories they told about the people they met, the tales of sadness and need, and the fulfillment each felt being able to help. They talked of mother's missing their children, depression, hopelessness, loss. That said, they also related inspiring stories of "great colleagues" who came together as strangers to create makeshift hospitals and clinics.

Yet, despite all the chaos and hardships, all four returned grateful to have been of service and blessed for the experience of having helped hundreds of people a day.

None of these women had to go to Louisiana. In fact, several did so over family objections. But in the end, they did go and made a very big difference. Like the Delnor community, we, too, are proud to recognize all four as hometown heroes extraordinaire!

COMMUNITY IMPACT HERO
Presented by: Havlicek Builders
Presented to: Joanne Hansen

Joanne Hansen

Trying to describe Joanne Hansen's Community Impact in 300 words or less is a little like trying to corral the clouds. It simply can't be done.

Her accomplishments are that numerous. Among one of her most recent is serving as the catalyst for conceiving and helping complete the new LivingWell Cancer Resource Center at 1803 W. State St., Geneva.

A cancer survivor herself, Joanne spearheaded the vision and opening of this new resource last September. The first facility of its kind in the Tri-Cities, LivingWell offers therapy, support groups, education, counseling, stress reduction and a complete library to benefit people whose lives have been touched by cancer. All services are offered free of charge to patients and family members alike.

How is that possible? Joanne was also instrumental in securing funding for the LivingWell through the Delnor-Community Health Care Foundation, Hansen-Furnas Foundation, Aurora Foundation, and Coleman Foundation as well as many other individuals/corporations throughout the area.

Extraordinary in itself, LivingWell is merely her latest accomplishment. Through her work as chair of the Hansen-Furnas and Delnor-Community Health Care Foundations, Joanne (along with husband Richard) has supported the start-up and on-going programming of numerous local non-profits. She has also served on many non-profit boards too numerous to mention. Simply put, her support for women, children, family and health care-issues is second to none.

More than a Hometown Hero, Joanne Hansen is a community treasure who cannot be lauded enough for her many, many contributions to the quality of life we all enjoy. The Fox River Valley simply wouldn't be the same without her compassion, generosity and humanity.