Plainfield Moose Wins Tom Cross 'Ovation' Award

Editor's note: The following is a press release from State Rep. Tom Cross.

Rep. Tom Cross (R-Oswego) and his Ovation to Business Advisory Committee presented his monthly Ovation to Business Award to the Plainfield Moose Family Center #2491 today for their extensive community service and support of numerous civic and charitable causes.

“The members of the Plainfield Moose embody all the attributes of community service the Ovation Award represents,” said Cross. “I congratulate the Plainfield Moose on their tremendous impact in directly improving the lives of countless local families.” 

The Plainfield Moose Family Center, located at 16310 S. Lincoln Highway in Plainfield, is a not-for-profit organization offering various programs, services and sponsorships for local residents and families since 1998.

“It is a privilege to accept this award on behalf of our members and all our community partners,” said Chris Bell, administrator of the Plainfield Moose Family Center #2491. “Giving back to the community and making a difference in the lives of area families is an extraordinarily rewarding and fulfilling endeavor. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve.”

The Plainfield Moose Family Center’s extensive community involvement includes support of the following projects and organizations: chartering a new Cub Scout pack and Boy Scout troop; donations to the Plainfield Emergency Management Association for essential emergency equipment; donations of Tommy Mooses (stuffed animals) to the Plainfield police and fire departments for use with children who traumatic situations; continual donations to the Plainfield Area Interfaith Food Pantry, Green Harvest Food Pantry, MorningStar Mission of Joliet, and the We Care of Romeoville Food Pantry; sponsorship of youth baseball teams; contributions toward the building of the community Frisbee golf course; annual food baskets provided to needy local families; and continuation of the Ford Family Thanksgiving Turkey Drop, which included collecting and delivering over 1225 turkeys to area families this past November.

The Plainfield Moose Family Center #2491 also supports Mooseheart Child City and School as well as a Moosehaven Senior Living residence in Orange Park, FL. They have also helped the Joliet Area Hospice and St. Baldricks’ Foundation; sponsored collections for Misericordia in addition to the Lions Club eyeglass collection and annual nut sales. The Moose also offer free CPR training and certification classes to the community and provide supplies to the Guardian Angels Shelter. Last summer they also hosted the Fallen Heroes Traveling Memorial Wall for the community to pay respects to fallen soldiers from Illinois. 

The Plainfield Moose Family Center is the first Ovation to Business Award honoree of 2013. Rep. Cross is currently accepting nominations for future recipients of the Ovation to Business Award. You can find and submit the application form on Rep. Cross’ website, www.tomcross.com. 

You can nominate a small, medium or large business in the 97th district that is sustaining or growing jobs as well as involved in community service. Not-for-profit organizations are also eligible for nomination. If you have any questions, please call Lois Maguire at (815) 254-0000.

Cross’ Ovation to Business Advisory Committee will review the applications and make award recipient recommendations.