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Christian service awards presented

The Belleville Regional Advisory Council of Catholic Social Services of Southern Illinois (CSS) hosted the 18th Annual Christian Service Awards May 2 with a benefit dinner at Albert’s Banquet Center in Belleville.

About 200 guests attended the dinner and awards program to recognize Jeanne Edgar, a member of the Queen of Peace Parish and long-time community volunteer; Jerry Messick, a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ and director of the Community Inter-Faith Food Pantry; and Glenn Schott, the retiring athletic director, head football coach and assistant principal at Althoff Catholic High School.

Recipients of the Christian Service Award are nominated by members of the community, reflecting the mission and spirit of CSS through their contributions of direct service, advocacy, participation in community organizations, volunteerism and/or fundraising.

Presenters (toasters) for each of the award recipients gave a short summary of each recipient’s accomplishments. Shirley Gasparich and Jodi Edgar Reinhardt acknowledged some of the volunteer work of Jeanne Edgar. Gasparich commented on Edgar’s contributions to her parish and the community including: lector for Sunday Masses, mentor for Communion classes, parish festival worker, “Neighbors for Renewal” volunteer, and Belleville Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary corresponding secretary. But one of her more notable deeds was Jeanne’s organization of a fund-raising event for a friend who battled breast cancer for over 20 years and was physically, emotionally and financially depleted. Jeanne organized a dinner and silent auction which raised over $30,000 for her friend.

Reinhardt, Edgar’s daughter, focused on her mother’s commitment to her church and community as a way of life. Reinhardt said: “My mother, Jeanne Edgar, has taught me about volunteerism by lifelong example. She walks the walk. If anyone is in need, she steps in to help, without question, without hesitation.”

After the presentation of the award, Edgar thanked all of her friends who nominated her for the award and reflected on her philosophy of volunteerism, stating that she volunteered because it made her feel good to help other people. She challenged the members of the audience to pick one cause and volunteer to do something to help someone else.
Presenters for Jerry Messick were Susan Evers and Pastor Kristy Forbes-Vits of St. Paul Untied Church of Christ. Evers and Pastor Vits spoke mainly about Jerry’s efforts to establish the Community Inter-Faith Food Pantry.

Messick had been in charge of the food pantry at St. Paul’s Church for several years when he decided the community needed one large food pantry instead of a number of small individual pantries with limited facilities and resources. Messick convinced St. Paul Church to donate a house near the church to be renovated and dedicated as the Community Inter-Faith Food Pantry.

According to Pastor Vits, Jerry has worked tirelessly on this project. She said: “Jerry has a smile for every person he serves at the pantry. He spreads Christ’s love to the community through his dedication to this mission.” Pastor Vits noted that in addition to his role at the food pantry, Jerry has also been an active member of the Mission and Community Board at St. Paul UCC Church. He has also served on the Franklin Neighborhood Board, on the Hunger Action Board, and volunteers for Christian Home Care.

Following the presentation of his award, Messick expressed his gratitude for the nomination and ward and thanked his wife and family for their help and patience for all the time he spent away from them working at the food pantry.

The final presenter were Roberta Meehan, a long-time friend of Glenn Schott, and David Harris, principal at Althoff Catholic High School. Meehan described Schott as a man of passion and commitment, who spent many years mentoring youth. Meehan said: “There are teachers and there are coaches but this man goes above and beyond to set a good example.” She went on to say: As a man of integrity, he has earned the respect of his athletes, students, friends and peers.” She also said that during his directorship of the athletic program at Althoff, Glenn was instrumental in promoting the expansion of the opportunities for girls’ participation, and his program has come to be recognized as one of the best in Illinois.

Harris wondered how in a short time could he sum up what this amazing man has done for so many. Just listing his state football titles and his many wards and recognitions would go beyond his allotted time.
Harris said he wanted to talk about Schott’s dedication and commitment. To his family, his faith and his school. Mr. Harris stated that in his forty-seven years of teaching and coaching in Catholic education Schott has passed on many personal opportunities both professionally and financially to continue to minister to the students that he has so fondly called his second family.

After receiving his award and thanking CSS and those who nominated him, Schott said he felt humbled when he looked at the list of prior recipients of the award. He went on to say he was blessed to have so many talented students and athletes who had a part in all the records earned for Althoff and glad to have had the opportunity to be a part of the greater Althoff team.

Gary Huelsmann, CSS Executive Director expressed the importance of Christian charity and the need to take time every year to honor just a few in the community who have been the visible expression of God’s Love.