The Crisis Center for South Suburbia, dedicated to supporting victims of domestic violence, recently announced award recipients that will be honored at its annual gala on Feb. 26.
Orland Park resident Kathy Waller will be presented with the Dianne Masters Award. Waller knows firsthand the tragedy and impact of domestic violence as her young daughter was murdered by her ex-husband 20 years ago. Since then, she has dedicated much of her life to bringing attention to the prevalence and impact of domestic violence in the south suburbs, according to a Crisis Center news release. She has played a leadership role in the Crisis Center’s annual gala for many years, and she and her husband, Charlie Olsziewski, are generous supporters.
The fundraising organization ACTION Sertoma has donated nearly $25,000 since 2009 to the Crisis Center, mainly through event sponsorships and event participation. The group’s members also personally support the organization and are exceptional advocates for survivors of domestic violence. ACTION Sertoma will receive the Gifts for Hope Award, which is named after another area organization dedicated to helping families facing adversity.
The Volunteer Spirit Award will be presented to St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Orland Park. Under the direction of Sr. Gael Gensler, volunteers at the Catholic parish have conducted numerous coat drives and collections for the Crisis Center. In 2020, when the pandemic significantly impacted the Crisis Center’s shelter, volunteers began preparing and donating home-cooked meals for families living in the shelter. That tradition continues now.
BMO Harris Bank will be honored as the Corporate Partner of the Year for its leadership role in the annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month fundraising campaign. BMO Harris Bank has been supporting the work of the Crisis Center since 1993.
Finally, the staff at the Crisis Center are receiving the Courage Award for their creative perseverance over the past two years in supporting survivors of domestic violence during the pandemic. Staff led with courage as they supported constantly changing safety protocols, reconfigured the shelter to ensure client’s health and safety, implemented telehealth counseling service, adapted court advocacy programs and much more. Because of staff efforts, the Crisis Center remained fully operational and never closed its doors.
The Crisis Center for South Suburbia’s gala — “An Evening in Venice” — will be Feb. 26 at The Odyssey Country Club in Tinley Park with stringent safety protocols and capacity limits in place. Tickets are $125. More information is at VeniceGala2022.givesmart.com.
