Village hands out community awards and proclamations recognizing domestic violence, breast cancer, Down syndrome and volunteer efforts

The Village of Hoffman Estates used its Oct. 6 meeting to present community awards and issue several proclamations recognizing public‑health and community service efforts.

Great Citizen Awards: The village presented Great Citizen Awards to three residents for volunteer service. The village recognized Debbie Sorkin for crocheting hats for children in Hoffman Estates — the proclamation said she made 166 hats in a month — Melissa Marston for collecting hundreds of gently worn and new boots, coats and accessories for local children, and Patty Aurora for organizing coat and mitten drives through her workplace and for other community support activities. Trustees and staff noted that donations collected by the honorees were distributed to local schools, including John Muir School and Muir School programs.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Mayor William D. McLeod issued a proclamation declaring October 2025 Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Hoffman Estates. Rachel, representing Wings (Women in Need Growing Stronger), described the agency as “the largest domestic violence service provider in Illinois,” and outlined services Wings provides, including safe housing, counseling, hospital programs and mentoring. The proclamation urged residents to support survivors and to work with local organizations such as Wings.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: The board proclaimed October 2025 Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Dr. Gia Campignoni, a breast surgeon at Ascension St. Alexius, summarized services available at the hospital’s cancer center — surgical, medical and radiation oncology, nurse navigation, genetic evaluation, survivorship services and supportive items such as wigs and bras. Breast cancer survivor Roxanne Parikh spoke about her experience and urged early detection; she noted there are millions of cancer survivors in the U.S. and encouraged community support for patients and survivors.

Down Syndrome Acceptance Month: The board proclaimed October 2025 Down Syndrome Acceptance Month and urged residents to move from awareness to acceptance. The proclamation called attention to Gigi’s Playhouse, which provides free programs and services for people with Down syndrome and their families and trains participants for employment. Trustees praised Gigi’s Playhouse and founder Nancy Gianni for the program’s local presence and outreach.

The board also accepted reports and committee updates, and trustees highlighted recent community events. There were no public‑comment speakers on these agenda items.

Quotes • Rachel (Wings): “Wings is the largest domestic violence service provider in Illinois, and we provide comprehensive services for survivors of domestic violence and their children, including safe housing, counseling, hospital program and mentoring.” • Dr. Gia Campignoni (Ascension St. Alexius): “The cancer center also provides nurse navigation, survivorship services, genetic evaluation, social services, case management, nutrition services, rehabilitation ... including complimentary wigs, bras and camisoles.” • Roxanne Parikh (breast cancer survivor): “Everybody’s story is a little bit different ... what I have chosen to do is use my purpose‑driven mission to share and advocate.”

Ending Trustees praised the volunteer efforts and local organizations that support survivors and families. Several trustees noted the size of recent fundraising events (Wings’ Purple Tie Ball) and the role of local nonprofits and the hospital in providing services.