February is all about sharing the love, and we asked you to tell us about those in your community that go above and beyond for others. We are thrilled to spotlight the following individuals for their kind hearts and selfless efforts to make the world a better place and bring joy to others.
Kate Polgar
“No one has more heart than Kate Polgar! Kate serves as Care for Real’s Director of Community Engagement, overseeing the organization’s volunteer program and all client-facing programs. After many years as a special education teacher in Skokie, she began working closer to home at Care for Real. She has transformed our volunteer program, improved food distribution operations, launched new programs, and formed positive relationships with clients. Not only is she an incredibly present, thoughtful, fun, and loving parent to three amazing kids, she also shows up for everyone else in her life with great love too! She brings joy, authenticity, humor, and tremendous kindness and care to everything she does. I’m so grateful to know her, learn from her, and work alongside her.” – Jen Kouba
Kate LaRoche
“Kate is a committed Champion volunteer at Cradles to Crayons for several years and is always goes above and beyond, helping us with special events and requests. Kate is an English teacher at Lane Tech High School, and in addition to being a Champion volunteer at Cradles to Crayons, Kate is heavily involved in supporting Lane students through her roles as the freshman/sophomore soccer coach, Musical assistant director/choreographer, Play Fest supervising director, and sponsor of the Cradles to Crayons club. Kate inspires service in her students, with many of them volunteering regularly at Cradles to Crayons and joining our teen leadership corps.” – Michele Kuhn
Sheri Maremont
“Sheri has a very special co-volunteer… her therapy dog, Aija. They volunteered with Rainbow Therapy dogs after the Highland Park mass shooting to be available for anyone who needed some comfort. Sheri and Aija also volunteer on a regular basis in a classroom for students with autism to help them learn daily living skills. Sheri is also involved helping Seniors complete and file their taxes at the Levy Center in Evanston – this will be her third year. And she helps people register to vote before major elections in the Milwaukee area.”
“Sheri’s breadth of compassion for people who need comfort or practical assistance with their taxes, or just signing up to exercise their right to vote shows us a person who is incredible and unique to fix real world issues.” – Melissa Little
John Nomellini
“February is heart month. John is hiking on the weekends from Chicago to the Atlantic to raise awareness, hope, and fund research for his sister’s cardiac condition. You can learn more here. This effort from John for his sister is love in action.” – Mary Nomellini
Nancy Searle
“Nancy’s philanthropic impact in Chicago is extraordinary – especially in the education space. She convinced civic leaders to collaborate and helped found New Schools… this led to her receiving the inaugural UNICEF Women of Compassion Award too. But she has made a difference for every organization that she touches – including Northwestern University, Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Make It Better Foundation, which she served as board Chair.” – Susan B. Noyes
Suzanne LeMignot
“Suzanne serves as CBS2 Chicago’s weekend news morning anchor and weekday reporter. She shares my passion for using her skills and platform to do the most good she can in the world, becoming CBS2 Chicago’s highest rated anchor and her selection as a Black Woman Of Impact by Better. She emcees the Make It Better Foundation’s Philanthropy Awards, which CBS sponsors and has fostered tremendous collaboration between our organizations.” – Susan B. Noyes
Mindy Fauntleroy
“Mindy said yes 15 years ago when I asked her to be my partner founding a community resource website called Make It Better. She said yes again to launching the Make It Better Foundation too. She loves deeply and says yes as often as she can to the rest of the world too.” – Susan B. Noyes
Honey Jacobs Skinner
“Honey earned her reputation as an Angel On Behalf Of Kids from her work as Sidley Austin LLP partner in Springfield, Illinois and Washington DC. Now retired, she continues to shine through her board work for Lurie Children’s Hospital, Pathways/Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, as a Harvard 2016 Advanced Leadership Initiative Fellow, focused on providing affordable healthcare and using legal steps to gain access and for legions of friends and fans. Typical of Honey, she also shone a light of gratitude on another with this Better You Said It submission too.” – Susan B. Noyes
We would love to hear from you!
Send us a nomination for an upcoming top list:
- April – Inspirational Eco-Warriors
- May – Most Powerful Women
- June – The Best Brands to Help You Get Outdoors
Email editorial@makeitbetter.com
