Join us at "A Night of Stars" Gala Hosted by the Park Ridge Chamber

The Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce is hosting “A Night of Stars” to recognize and honor outstanding achievements in community service with the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award and Community Star Awards. The event will be held on February 20, 2016 from 6:00 PM - 11:30 PM at the Chicago Marriott O’Hare.

All area residents are invited to join us in this fun-filled celebration!

There will be a Three Course Plated Dinner and a night filled with dancing. A silent auction and raffle will add to the evening’s fun and excitement.

Uptown Shakedown will bring the best contemporary rock, pop, and classic soul music to the event!

Chamber Members can register for this event at www.chamberlogin.com with their login name and password or by calling or emailing the chamber at 847-825-3121 or info@parkrigechamber.org by visiting the website at www.parkridgechamber.org.

Paul Adlaf, Park Ridge Historical Society, Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient

Paul Adlaf will received recognition for the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Park Ridge Chamber’s Community Star’s Dinner. Mr. Adlaf has been a lifelong member of the Park Ridge who truly embodies the spirit of neighborhood. Ranging from 2004 – 2015, he has has served several stretches in the office of the Park Ridge Historical Society, including president for the past four years. He also has served on the Park Ridge Heritage Committee, Park Ridge Historical Preservation Committee, and the City Centennial Committee. Mr. Adlaf has been widely successful in spearheading numerous projects including National Night Out, tours at the Town of Maine Cemetery, and historical insight projects involving Maine Township High School students. He has made history lessons with live speakers available at the Park Ridge Library and has worked endlessly to find a new, permanent home for the historical society with hopes of securing a lease with the Park Ridge Park District. Mr. Adlaf has always gone the extra mile for the community and continues to preserve Park Ridge’s rich history.

Jay Crowley, Park Ridge Farmers Market

Jay Crowley has acted as a key influencer and dedicated Chairperson to the Park Ridge Farmer’s Market for the past two years. Ms. Crowley has been extremely effective in establishing the identity of the market and creating a friendly, inviting environment. Through both in season and off season preparation, she has worked endlessly to ensure each is a success. The Farmer’s Market has added significant growth to the community and continues to promote healthy eating along with a healthy lifestyle.

Matthew Hoffman, Classic Film Creator

Classic Film Creator, Matthew Hoffman, has played an integral role in the preservation of culturally iconic cinema. He has had the pleasure of bringing back classic films from generations of the past and introducing them to a brand new audience while rekindling memories for those residents who may have seen the film’s first release. Mr. Hoffman engages the community and attracts others from surrounding areas through showings at both the Pickwick Theatre and the Park Ridge Library. Whether he is inviting the films’ performers, their families, or offering his perspectives on classic films, Mr. Hoffman is sure to deliver an unparalleled experience.

Park Ridge Holiday Lights Fund

The Holiday Lights Committee has gone above and beyond to ensure this winter season is a memorable one. The members of the committee constantly give of their time and money in order to raise funds to beautify Park Ridge for the holiday season. The festive decorations and bright shining lights continue to illuminate Uptown and seem to warm the hearts of those all around. The committee has given a wonderful gift this season and continues to spread holiday cheer!

Spirit of ’45 Committee

The Spirit of ’45 Committee and Chairperson Shel Newman dedicated their time and talents to create a day of remembrance for “The Greatest Generation’s Greatest Day – August 14, 1945”, the day World War II ended. This year celebrated the 70th Anniversary of this momentous occasion and Park Ridge wanted to honor this victorious day in American history. Committee members worked endlessly to remind everyone what America’s foundation was built upon: hard work, self-sacrifice, and most of all, courage. The Spirit of ’45 Committee was successful in commemorating the anniversary through events, exhibits, and presentations retelling stories of the past by Retired U.S. Army Col. Jill Morganthaler. The committee achieved great success in keeping the morals and values of the Greatest Generation alive and perhaps their legacy will continue to inspire Americans.

Gina Oshana, Maine East

Gina Oshana is a true example of a servant leader. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Gifted Lyecum program, and Maine East’s Service Learning Projects Program. Gina volunteers and supports numerous causes including Catholic Charities, Free the Children Youth Empowerment, the Maine Community Youth Assistance Foundation, food pantries, and tutors at the Academic Learning Center. Last year she organized and orchestrated a drive collecting dresses for young women at The Harbor in Des Plaines and has volunteered at numerous events working with the women as well. She has given immense amounts of her time, energy, and leadership skills to help others within her community and is a wonderful example for all.

Adriana Sclafani, Maine South

Adriana Sclafani is a well-known leader among her peers at Maine South High School who has dedicated her time to help those who are less fortunate. In recent years, she has been an active participant in numerous academic related organizations and has served as president of the Maine South Key Club. She has led fundraising efforts for both the Salvation Army and Feed My Starving Children. In 2010, she and her sister took fundraising to a new level and began a charity called Kids Giving Back – Chicago. Through this charity, over $3,000 has been donated to Lurie Children’s Hospital. Ms. Sclafani is an outstanding example for her peers and community.