Community news: SEASPAR lauds volunteers, staff, participants and donors

Annual recognition banquet celebrates those who enrich lives of people with disabilities through recreation

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The South East Association for Special Parks And Recreation (SEASPAR) recently held its annual Believe & Achieve recognition banquet, bringing together volunteers, staff, supporters and program participants for dinner, a dance party and awards. The organization honored donors, volunteers, staff and participants for their contributions to enriching the lives of people with disabilities through recreation programs.

Why it matters

SEASPAR serves 12 communities in the Chicago suburbs, providing recreational opportunities and programming for people with disabilities. The annual banquet celebrates the hard work and dedication of the volunteers, staff, donors and participants who make the organization's mission possible.

The details

At the banquet, True Balance Karate of Downers Grove was named Donor of the Year after providing instruction for SEASPAR's karate program for 15 years and holding a tournament to benefit the organization. Gina Graf of Countryside was named Naberhaus Volunteer of the Year, and two part-time staff members, Bill Lyones of La Grange Highlands and Sandy Greco of Woodridge, were also recognized. Participant awards went to Blaine Sharenow of La Grange Park for Athlete of the Year, Hope Murphy of Western Springs for Shining Star, Jackson Mangan of Downers Grove for Cultural Artist of the Year, and Nile Naff of Woodridge for Rising Star.

  • The annual Believe & Achieve recognition banquet was held recently.

The players

SEASPAR

The South East Association for Special Parks And Recreation, an organization that aims to enrich the lives of people with disabilities through recreation, serving 12 communities in the Chicago suburbs.

True Balance Karate

A Downers Grove-based karate studio that has provided instruction for SEASPAR's karate program for 15 years and held a tournament to benefit the organization.

Gina Graf

A resident of Countryside who was named the Naberhaus Volunteer of the Year by SEASPAR.

Bill Lyones

A two-year part-time employee of SEASPAR, recognized at the banquet.

Sandy Greco

An eight-year part-time employee of SEASPAR, recognized at the banquet.

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What they’re saying

“We're so thrilled to be kicking off this initiative and furthering our mission to highlight local artists in the Chicago community. As we continue to innovate the WNDR experience for our future and returning guests, we see great value in providing this kind of exposure and opportunity for emerging artists.”

— Steven Krejcik, Director of Studio, WNDR Museum (WNDR Museum press release)

The takeaway

SEASPAR's annual recognition banquet demonstrates the vital role that volunteers, staff, donors, and participants play in providing recreational opportunities and enriching the lives of people with disabilities in the Chicago suburbs.