WSPN - WSPN Awards

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Thank you to those who joined us for the 24th Annual WSPN Philanthropy Awards on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026 at College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn.

At the heart of the philanthropic community are people-organizers, communicators, mentors, and innovators, all who are willing to inspire, enlighten, feed, heal, shelter, educate, and nurture the people in our community. Each year, West Suburban Philanthropic Network recognizes these outstanding individuals, businesses, foundations, and corporations and the skilled, fundraising professionals who serve alongside them through our Annual Philanthropy Awards.

We were pleased to celebrate the people, groups, businesses, and organizations recognized in these categories:

Philanthropist of the Year: Laurie McMahon, nominated by Child’s Voice

Humanitarian of the Year: Erica Nelson, nominated by Glen Ellyn Children's Resource Center
Young Philanthropist of the Year: Kendall Tai Nghiem, nominated by Kulchitt Toy Vilaichitt
Grantmaker of the Year: Nanette Silva of Community Memorial Foundation, nominated by DuPage Health Coalition and many others
Philanthropic Foundation of the Year: Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley, nominated by the City of Aurora
Philanthropic Service Club of the Year: Clarendon Hills Lions Club, nominated by People's Resource Center
Philanthropic Business of the Year: Mesón Sabika, nominated by DuPagePads
Nonprofit Executive of the Year: Geri Kerger, CEO, NAMI DuPage nominated by NAMI DuPage and DuPagePads
Nonprofit Volunteer of the Year: Cindy Blaszak, nominated by Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Philanthropic Leadership Award: Mary Keating, nominated by the WSPN Board
WSPN President's Award: Chad Pedigo, from WSPN President Sarah O'Donnell