More Than 40 Honored at Good as Gold Ceremony

More than 40 Sangamon County volunteers, businesses, and organizations were recognized for their service during the 17th annual Good as Gold Ceremony, held April 21 at the University of Illinois Springfield Student Union. The event is a collaboration between UIS, the Junior League of Springfield, and the United Way of Central Illinois.

Launched in 2008, the Good as Gold Ceremony celebrates those who give their time and talents to make Sangamon County a better place to live.

Distinguished Volunteer Award

Kathy Smith received the 2025 Distinguished Volunteer Award. Smith is the founder and director of PBJ Springfield, a ministry that provides between 2,000 and 2,500 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to people experiencing homelessness and others in need. Her work has inspired more than 23 community organizations to participate. She also founded Off the Streets, which helps individuals transition from homelessness to housing by arranging for essential donations.

In addition, Smith volunteers at the Washington Street Mission, where she has helped raise about $20,000 and collect supplies for those in need. Her dedication has created a multigenerational volunteer movement in central Illinois, reflecting her belief that "we are blessed to be a blessing.”

Finalists for the award included Maria del Pilar Mayorga Cardenas, Mary Louise Nachtwey, Merle Shiffman, and Gary Weedman.

Star Student Award

UIS student Galia Cossyleon received the Star Student Award for her volunteer work with the Springfield Immigrant Advocacy Network (SIAN), where she provides free, nutritious food to community members and contributes to educational workshops focused on social justice.

Cossyleon recently contributed to an antiracism workshop focused on xenophobia and anti-Blackness and helped organize the Resilient Community Conversations event, which brings together diverse voices to discuss community issues. Her work highlights a commitment to immigrant rights and inclusion.

UIS student Gracie Orme was also nominated for the award.

Star Staff Award

Claire Gordon, a communication instructor at UIS, received the Star Staff Award. Nominated by the Springfield Choral Society, Gordon has served on its board since August 2023 and chairs the Community Engagement Committee.

She has also worked as a production coordinator for events at the Hoogland Center for the Arts and co-chaired the "A Night on Broadway” gala. Since 2020, she has led cardiac rehab support groups through the Ornish Lifestyle Medicine Program. In 2025, she joined “Sing from the Heart,” a program that helps individuals with Alzheimer’s express themselves through music, supported by caregivers and Springfield Choral Society members.

Jennifer Martin, associate professor in the UIS School of Education, was also nominated for the award.

Youth Service Award

Alexander Haworth, a ninth-grade student at Lanphier High School, received the Youth Service Award. Nominated by Compass for Kids, Haworth has been involved with the organization since 2019 and currently assists at the same Club Compass site he once attended, helping younger students with homework and activities.

He also volunteers with the VolunTEEN program at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, consistently demonstrating dedication and leadership as the youngest volunteer at his site.

Cadence Crolly was also nominated for the award.

Heart of Gold Community Awards

Twenty-four individuals and organizations received Heart of Gold Awards for their contributions to the community. Honorees included:Chris Ahr, Anne Armitage, Sandy Begue, Amber Boone, Patricia Carley, Kimberly Cochran, Sandie Cornett, Jim Endris, Jo Ann Hamende, Leah Hardy, Mike Horstman, Robert John Kane, Susie Krohe-Slaughter, Andy Lee, Dick Livingston, Ed McDowall, Deborah Raupp, Roger Schlichting, Frank Sugent, Mary Lou Spengel, Andrew Weitzel, Bonnie Williams, Chris Zaccari, and the Indian Student Organization.

Organization of the Year Award

Compass for Kids was named 2025 Organization of the Year. The nonprofit supports District 186 students and their families with academic and social-emotional programs including Club Compass, Camp Compass, and the Youth Leadership Development Program.

The organization’s work focuses on children facing challenges such as homelessness, food insecurity, foster care, parental incarceration, or academic struggles. Its programs are powered by volunteers and community partnerships.

Other nominees included the American Business Club of Springfield, Central Illinois Customer Service Association (CILCSA), Fifth Street Renaissance/SARA Center, and Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach.

Business Honor Roll

Eight Sangamon County businesses were named to the Business Honor Roll for prioritizing community service. Awards were presented in two categories: businesses with 1–10 employees and those with more than 150 employees. One business in each category received the Golden Distinction.

In the small business category, honorees included AlignLife Chiropractic, Formea Insurance Group Inc., Interurban Merchant, and The Wakery. Bloom Hospitality & Catering received the Golden Distinction for providing free coffee at nonprofit events and donating meals to Compass for Kids and the Illinois Army National Guard.

In the large business category, Concordia Village received the Golden Distinction. The organization supports the United Way, the Alzheimer’s Association, Springfield Supportive Living, Concordia Lutheran Grade School, local libraries, military troops, and the Lions Club.

Bank of Springfield and KEB were also recognized in this category.

For more information about the Good as Gold Ceremony, visit the University of Illinois Springfield’s Center for Volunteer and Civic Engagement.