2024 Shining Star Awards

September 25, 2024
Remarks at Regular Meeting
Shining Star Outstanding Member Award
Presented by Cathy Weimer

It is my honor and privilege to be here today to present one of Assistance
League’s most prestigious awards. This award gives special recognition to
one or more members each year who exemplify outstanding contributions to
our chapter. The recipients of our Shining Star Award have gone above and
beyond the normal requirements for membership. And when I think of all of
the members we have here in Indianapolis and all of the work we do
individually and as a team, it’s hard to narrow down just one member whose
brightness shines so that all of us can see the example of a true “Shining
Star”.
This year’s selection committee consisted of Trish Severns, President-Elect;
Hours Chairman, Barb Shankel; myself as Immediate Past President;
Immediate Past Operation School Bell Chairman, Kathy Detzler and
Immediate Past VP of Membership, Janine Bercovitz. I want to thank those
who submitted nominations! We had many very deserving candidates and it
was a difficult decision narrowing it down. If you’ve ever been on a
selection committee, you understand what it takes to make these tough
decisions. In looking through all of the nominations, the committee wanted
to be sure to recognize members who have continuously supported our
chapter.
That being said, I’m happy to share that we have three standouts this year
and I think that after we announce our three new Shining Stars, you’ll
understand why the decision to choose just one was too difficult a task for
our committee.

Our first Shining Star joined Assistance League of Indianapolis more than
30 years ago – you can do the math if you’d like to jump ahead! A few
words that were used to describe this Shining Star were “never wavering”,
“organized”, “dedicated”, “steadfast”, and “a true treasure to our chapter”. In
looking back through our chapter’s photos and scrapbooks, her beautiful
face appears on page after page as an integral part of who we are - to this
day.
Since she became a member, this bright Star has been Correspondence
Secretary (when that was a thing), she has been Assault Survivor Kits Chair
when there was no office to sort and store, so offering up your home to have
workshops and store the kits was part of the bargain. She has been
Operation School Bell Mailer Chair twice, Holiday Luncheon Co-Chair and
Hunt Golf Outing Breakfast Chair multiple years. Once we obtained our
Chapter Office, she even rallied the help of her husband to make our space
more user-friendly by installing shelving for much needed storage. You see
her at every Regular Meeting, unless she’s traveling, and is a dedicated
Operation School Bell shopper. And, of course, I saved the best for last,
which will be a definite giveaway. This Shining Star has been the Chair of
our Holiday Luncheon Style Show for 16 years! Yes, I said that right … 16
years! Now THAT is a commitment! She represents Assistance League
with poise and grace.
But this Shining Star’s dedication isn’t always just in front of the curtain. Her
faithful support of Assistance League of Indianapolis through donations –
whether it be time, auction items, or financially, cannot be understated.
By now you certainly know that our first Shining Star is Sandy Speer!
Congratulations, Sandy!!

Our second Shining Star is certainly no less accomplished! She joined
Assistance League of Indianapolis over 20 years ago and has logged over
5,750 hours!
Her contributions to our chapter have been more “behind the scenes” but
her commitment to Assistance League of Indianapolis is evident! Our
members know her as “dedicated”, “always willing to help”,
“knowledgeable”, and “sincere”. If she sees a challenge, she is willing to
work until it’s figured out. Her hard work and dedication are seen
throughout our Chapter Handbook.
This Shining Star helped with our Chapter Newsletter the first two years she
was a member. Her third year she served as our Orientation Chair.
She then went on to serve as our chapter’s Recording Secretary more than
once, President-Elect, and then President. She has been our Policy
Committee Chair for many years, along with Parliamentarian, Holiday
Luncheon Co-Chair and Strategic Planning Chair, helping to develop a
structured and mission-defining vision for our chapter. She has been an
Operation School Bell Buyer, Operation School Bell Chair of the Day,
Operation School Bell Vice-Chair as well as serving as our Chair during
those difficult days of Covid – always keeping our mission in mind and
making certain duffels were delivered to those students who needed them.
Most recently, she has stepped up to Chair Operation School Bell for a
second time next year.
As you can see, this Shining Star is dedicated! She sees a need and gets
the job done!
By now I’m guessing you’ve figured out that our newest Shining Star is
Kathy Kinzel!
Congratulations, Kathy!!

Our final Shining Star this year stands beside Sandy and Kathy as a true
light in our chapter! She joined Assistance League of Indianapolis in 2010
and has logged over 5,360 hours! She is no stranger to commitment – a
common theme throughout ALL of our Shining Stars! It has been said that
she “meets challenges head on and does her best to work through them”.
“She is diplomatic and listens to all ideas.”
Among her vast accomplishments, she has served on our Placement
Committee, she has been our Recording Secretary, she has been a huge
supporter of our Holiday Luncheon as Co-Chair twice and Auction Item
Chair. She has been set-up and tear-down coordinator for our Gala as well
as Mission Possible Co-Chair. She has been a dedicated co-chair for the
Hunt Golf Outing for several years and served as Operation School Bell
Vice-Chair and then Chair. She has served on our Board as VP
Philanthropic Programs as well as VP Resource Development twice. In
addition, her extensive resume also includes President-Elect and President.
But this Shining Star also brings the “star-power” of her husband, who so
graciously gives his time to make sure our events run smoothly behind the
scenes and has procured sponsorships as well as books for students! You
will also see him with a golf club in hand at our golf outing. Certainly a
dynamic duo!
By now I’m guessing you’ve figured out that our newest Shining Star is
Rosy Crowley!
Congratulations, Rosy!