Barbara Schafer of King-Bruwaert House receives state award and Hall of Fame distinction

Barbara Schafer, senior director of Wellness and Hospitality for King-Bruwaert House in Burr Ridge, was presented with a Performance Award May 10 from the State of Illinois Department on Aging and was named to the state’s Senior Hall of Fame.

Elizabeth Delheimer, division manager of Community Relations and Outreach for the Illinois Department on Aging, drove in from Springfield to recognize Schafer with the prestigious award. The Senior Hall of Fame was started by the Illinois General Assembly in 1994 to recognize the achievements and contributions of men and women, age 65 and older. Inductees are selected through a statewide nomination and judging process.

Schafer, a 25-year employee with King-Bruwaert House, was honored for her leadership in directing the K-B Adorables and Men in Black dance and fitness troupe. The group was started 15 years ago and members have been entertaining local, regional and national audiences. The award for Schafer represents a recognition of her dedication, accomplishments and commitment to senior adults who benefit from the activities she oversees that promote health, wellness, fitness, social interaction and community service.

During the recognition program, Schafer also received a resolution from Mary LeCompte, a staff member for St. Rep. Jim Durkin (R) Burr Ridge. The resolution outlined Schafer’s years of service and her accomplishments.

Also speaking at the program and offering words of praise were K-B CEO Terri Bowen, troupe members Joan Hurst and Ken Niemiec and Bonnie Kohout, Director of Marketing. More than 100 residents, guests, family members and staff attended the award ceremony.

Schafer was presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers from members of the troupe.

Photo cutline: Barbara Schafer of King-Bruwaert House accepts a beautiful state award from Elizabeth Delheimer of the Illinois Department on Aging.