Our club established the Bill Reid Community Service Award in 2001 to perpetuate the legacy of Bill Reid, a long-time Village trustee and a founding member of the Rotary Club of Buffalo Grove.  This award is given out on a yearly basis to unsung heroes who have demonstrated a long-term commitment to the Buffalo Grove community, and who personify what it means to serve and inspire.

Cathy Novak, a person who has tirelessly worked on behalf of our community, is the 2023 recipient of this award.   


 

Cathy has been a volunteer member of the choral group, the BG Singers, for 20 plus years and this group raises money for philanthropic causes every year.  This past year, Cathy was the driving force behind "UKE" Can Do It!, a fundraiser for the Ukulele Kids Club that was extremely successful and one that our club participated in.  Cathy became a member of the Buffalo Grove Park District's Friends of the Parks Foundation in April of 2016 and was elected its president in May of 2020, a position she still holds.  She is the initiator and major force behind many of the foundation's fundraisers that have resulted in thousands of dollars going to support military families and families in need to allow their participation in park district programs. Cathy said, “I am humbled and so grateful for the recognition.  I love being part of the Buffalo Grove Community and helping to do good things in the name of the Village.  Thank you Rotary.”As part of the award, the Buffalo Grove Rotary Club will make a $500 donation to the Rotary International Foundation in Cathy’s name, as well as a $500 contribution to the BG Singers Fund, her charity of choice.  Congratulations Cathy!