Chairman's Award

The Chairman’s Award recognizes an organization who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to the growth and excellence of Special Olympics Illinois.

2010 Chairman's Award Winner - Illinois Movers' & Warehousemen's Association

The Illinois Movers’ & Warehousemen’s Association, based in Springfield, received the 2010 Special Olympics Illinois Chairman’s Award.  Pat McLaughlin, executive director of the association, accepted the award at a reception held June 11 before the Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games Opening Ceremonies at Illinois State University in Normal.

Since 1996, the Illinois Movers’ & Warehousemen’s Association has adopted Special Olympics Illinois as the association’s charity of choice. Raising more than $174,000, the IMAWA has meet the needs of Special Olympics Illinois is a variety of ways. “It has been a rich partnership involving volunteerism, fundraising, event support, in-kind donations and public relations for Special Olympics Illinois,” said Doug Snyder, president and CEO for Special Olympics Illinois.

In addition to the donations made by IMAWA members and fundraising for Special Olympics Illinois, they have provided a platform for Special Olympics to educate the IMAWA members and vendors. They have invited Global Messengers - Special Olympics athletes trained in public speaking - to share their stories at their annual conferences.

IMAWA has shown its support for the Special Olympics Illinois by supporting the Illinois Delegation going to the World Games in 1999 as well as sponsoring Summer Games and State Volleyball Tournament, volunteering at various Spring Games, and supported the Windy City Rubber Ducky Derby as a sponsor, sales teams, promotional partner and in-kind contributor. In 2006 and 2010, the IMAWA raised funds in honor of Team Illinois for the Special Olympics USA National Games.

IMAWA has also donated storage space to the local Area Special Olympics programs and the organization at large, providing trucks and equipment, and transportation for large items meeting important needs.  They have taken creative approaches to help Special Olympics – such as converting a moving truck into a warm changing room for the Area 9 Polar Plunge and then recruiting members to “take the plunge.” They have provided warehouse space, meeting space, auction items and just about anything else they are asked for, said a nominator.

In addition, IMAWA has participated in events for the organization, such as the Law Enforcement Torch Run World’s Largest Truck Convoy, two truck pulls and the Sports Celebrity Carnival.

Pat McLaughlin, the executive director, has spearheaded the IMAWA support and involvement. She consistently thinks of how the association can be of service to the athletes and their families. It has extended to other Special Olympics state programs. In 2005, Pat invited Special Olympics Illinois and a Global Messenger to address the National Council of Moving Associations annual conference (located in the Chicagoland area). As a result, seven other programs have benefited from new partnerships with movers’ associations in their states.

“This is a group of wonderfully generous people with great integrity who sincerely care about the children and adults of Special Olympics and their families” said a nominator for IMAWA.

Previous Chairman's Award Winners:

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