Kathy Ridder Awarded the 2010 Joe Bonansinga Award
CF Release - April 21, 2010

A Quincy woman recognized for her willingness to help the community says her efforts are nothing special.  
 
''I can't say that I am drawn to helping out; it was just a way of life growing up,'' Kathy Ridder said. ''I have met many people, made great friends and have made many memories. It never felt like I was doing something out of the ordinary.''  
 
Ridder received the 2010 Joe Bonansinga Community Service Award at Tuesday's Quincy Rotary Club meeting.  
 
Ridder credited her own examples of volunteerism -- her parents and her Grandma Nobis.  
 
''She had seven children. They had very little, but she always managed to find enough to give to someone else,'' Ridder said. ''They were great examples to me. I hope I'm an example to my kids.''  
 
United Way of Adams County Inc. developed the award 13 years ago in honor of Bonansinga, its first recipient. The award recognizes the impact an individual has on the Adams County community through continual selfless giving.  
 
Those who nominated and selected Ridder said she meets and exceeds the requirement -- and her efforts encourage others to get involved in the community.  
 
''Kathy's labors are done with no motivation other than to give a helping hand and to be a resource to others,'' Madonna House Executive Director Barb Hicks said in nominating Ridder for the award. ''She does not need to be asked for assistance. She simply sees an opportunity to serve the community and steps up to do things that make a huge difference in the community.''  
 
Ridder serves on the board for Madonna House, the Community Foundation of the Quincy Area and Access Health of Adams County.  
 
She is resource investment and campaign volunteer for United Way, serves on the National Federation of Independent Business Illinois Leadership Council and the Governor's Health Insurance Application Working Group.  
 
Ridder and her husband, John, recently founded the Mary Ridder Cherny Memorial Fund to support public and parochial middle school students interested in performing arts and assist them in obtaining instruments, classes, tutoring and lessons. They also are raising funds for the Kyle Russell Memorial Fund, which will assist a Quincy Notre Dame High School student with college expenses.  
 
''Kathy is the exceptional volunteer leader,'' United Way Board President Shawn Dickerman said in presenting the award. ''She sees an opportunity to serve the community and gives whatever is called for. It could be her time, her personal and professional resources, her financial guidance or just a voice of strong leadership.''  
 
Ridder said she hopes her work, and the recognition from the award, will inspire others to give of themselves.  
 
''I hope that everyone finds time to give in some way,'' she said. ''I know that you kind of have to prioritize your schedule, but you should be able to find the time to do these things.''  
 
By DEBORAH GERTZ HUSAR  
 
Herald-Whig Staff Writer  
-- dhusar@whig.com/221-3379