On a magical night at Carlisle Banquets in Lombard, the community came together for SEASPAR’s annual Believe & Achieve Recognition Banquet. This was a heartwarming celebration of achievements, community spirit, and remarkable contributions. The venue was filled with joy as individuals gathered to support one another and applaud outstanding accomplishments.
The evening began with a warm welcome, accompanied by festive background music that set the tone for the festivities. Attendees checked in, doors opened, and the air buzzed with enthusiasm.
At 6:00 p.m., SEASPAR Executive Director Matt Corso, the Master of Ceremonies, beckoned everyone to be seated, marking the beginning of the official program. Background music paused, and the event unfolded.
The program commenced with a touching tribute to SEASPAR community members who are gone but not forgotten, including staff member Chris Lima and participant Randy Naberhaus. A captivating video presentation followed, offering a glimpse into the key moments of the past year.
The evening unfolded with a delightful dinner served by the Carlisle Banquets team, accompanied by uplifting background music. As the dishes were cleared, the anticipation for the awards and recognitions grew.
A series of awards recognizing different individuals and groups unfolded throughout the evening, showcasing the diverse talents and contributions of the community.
The first awards were presented to SEASPAR’s Donors of the Year. The award for a service club donor was presented to Knights of Columbus St. Joan of Arc Council #15168 of Lisle, which has made financial contributions to SEASPAR from its fundraising efforts for many years. The donor award for a business was presented to Trader Joe’s of Downers Grove, which has donated staff time and products for many of SEASPAR’s programs.
Participants in SEASPAR’s programming were recognized with a series of awards, including the TR Section Participant Award for Wayne Neumann, Aktion Club Award for Bryal Peterson, Cultural Artist of the Year for Sarah Mikelenas, Rising Star Award for Boelyn Fields, Shining Star Award for Reynaldo Neris, Achievement Award for Mia Jessica Santos, and Athlete of the Year Award for Aidan Metzl.
Volunteers and staff were also acknowledged, with Eric Alwin receiving the Naberhaus Volunteer of the Year Award, Lorrie Smietanski honored with the Leading Light Award, and Meghan Lieb presented with the Super Star Award.
The grand finale was a dance party, where attendees celebrated together on the dance floor, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
As the clock neared 9:00 p.m., the event concluded with a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributes to SEASPAR’s mission of enriching lives through recreation. The DJ announced the last song, leaving attendees with fond memories and eager anticipation for next year’s Believe & Achieve Recognition Banquet.
The event showcased the power of community spirit, celebrating achievements, and fostering a sense of belonging. SEASPAR looks forward to continuing this tradition and creating more memorable moments in the years to come.
SEASPAR would like to thank event sponsors Republic Bank, Girgis Orthodontics, Blue Light Rain HVAC, Baird & Warner – Team Healy, Krage’s Mobil, CustomPromos.com, Suburban Door Check & Lock Service, Lemont Park District, and Local Printing + Design.
View photos from the Believe & Achieve Recognition Banquet here!
Relive the magic – watch videos of the recognition and awards on YouTube!