The Palatine Jaycees have been named the most outstanding chapter in Illinois and honored for their work in the community.
The Palatine chapter was named the best chapter in Illinois in 2016 through the statewide Giessenbier award, which is given for chapter programming, growth and overall performance. The Palatine Jaycees also were the state’s overall winners for the year in the areas of economics/business and membership. Contributing to this honor, the Palatine Jaycees received individual state recognition awards for 2016: Outstanding State President, Pat De Marco; Outstanding Membership Vice President, Barbara Cima; Outstanding Local Director, Margie Musary; Outstanding Treasurer Audrey Doty, and Rookie of the Year for the State, Emily Sanscrainte. The Palatine Jaycees also received project awards for the Best Long-Term Community Development Project, given for the chapter’s Hometown Fest, and was runner up for the Top Local Community Empowerment Project, the chapter’s Fit Family Field Day.
“We are honored by the recognition we have received from our peers,” said Pat De Marco, 2016 Palatine Jaycee President. “We are always proud to be supportive members of our community. These awards are wonderful because they recognize the work we do for the community and the quality of people we have in our Chapter.”
Every year, the Palatine Jaycees conduct numerous programs to serve the community and raise money for chapter operations and community donations. Examples include Hometown Fest (Fourth Of July Festival), Christmas tree sales, and Best Pizza Contest, which benefit the community and raise money.
The Palatine chapter of the Jaycees, one of the nearly 60 local chapters throughout Illinois, has nearly 120 members and is one of the largest chapters in Illinois. The Jaycees provide individuals between the age of 21 and 40 opportunities to develop personal and leadership skills while serving their community.
The chapter holds its monthly general meeting on the third Thursday of each month at 7:30 PM in the American Legion Hall on Palatine Road in Palatine. For more information on the Palatine Jaycees, its membership, or any of its sponsored events, visit www.palatinejaycees.org, send a message to info@palatinejaycees.org, or call 847-604-0288.