McLean County Republican Chairman, Connie Beard, announces the winners of the Presidential Service Center Distinguished Service Award, to be presented Friday, May 17, at the annual McLean County Republicans’ Lincoln Reagan Day Dinner. White House Executive Chef Martin Mongiello, guest speaker, navy veteran and member of the Center, will present honorees with their awards.
The Center tribunal reviewed nine nominees announcing two winners for the Distinguished Service Award, their highest award. They are David and Bob Keiser families, for founding and serving the Mid-West Food Bank, and Nicole Bruno, Normal Police Department detective, for her work with Special Olympics, PATH and Policeman’s Benevolent Association. Congressman Darin LaHood and Ed Rust sponsor these awards.
Following a three-month long process of collecting nominations from area volunteer organizations, nine nominees were submitted for consideration to the Presidential Service Center based in Grover, North Carolina. The PSC is a non-profit organization celebrating employees of the United States presidency, armed services personnel and civilians who have made significant contributions to their profession or community.
Three nominees will receive special recognition. They are Eileen Sronce for her work with Home Sweet Home Ministries; David Osnowitz with Easter Seals; and Dennis Steele with Western Avenue Community Center. Other honorees are Linette Brown and Debbie Leighton for their work with the Advocate Health Hospice program; Dr. Dele and Mrs. Terry Ogunleye for the Boys and Girls Club of Bloomington and other community service; and Liz Freeland for service as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children. All honorees are guests of McLean County Republicans.
The program for the event is Chef Mongiello presenting “Inside the President’s Cabinet,” a behind the scenes look at the White House, telling tales of presidents, while demonstrating favorite White House dishes. Program tickets are available at www.McLeanCountyRepublicans.org
