NEWS RELEASE – PREPARED BY Toni Pienta

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS EXTENSION – Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, Putnam Unit

ILLINOIS 4-H FOUNDATION HONORS VOLUNTEERS

Karen Pillion recognized for service to LaSalle County 4-H

Karen Pillion, a LaSalle County 4-H volunteer was honored for her service as a 4-H volunteer. Karen was one of 80 volunteers recognized by the Illinois 4-H Foundation as a 4-H Hall of Fame recipient during a ceremony held on Tuesday, August 12 at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield. 4-H volunteers providing exemplary service to the Illinois 4-H program are inducted into the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame at this annual event.

Karen has represented exceptional commitment and support to the 4-H program and Extension services.  She wears many hats as a 4-H volunteer. As the 4-H Federation co-advisor, Karen assists with meetings, events and donates much of her time and treats to this great group. Karen also is a member of the Friends of Extension and 4-H fundraising committee. This committee works very hard organizing events and acquiring donations in support of Extension and Youth Development. Karen doesn’t stop with committees, she is active throughout the year volunteering her time and donations to a variety of 4-H activities. Karen’s input is highly regarded and appreciated.  The University of Illinois Extension- LaSalle County is extremely fortunate to have her support. Staff is always happy to see Karen in the Ottawa office. 4-H and Youth Development coordinator, Toni Pienta expressed what a caring, dedicated, generous leader Karen is in a brief essay which was read at the ceremony.  The Extension and 4-H program is extremely proud to be able to provide this honor to Karen and to thank her for services to this wonderful organization.

This year celebrated the 15-year anniversary of the award.  Illinois 4-H Foundation sponsors the ceremony for the Hall of Fame recipients. These long-time volunteers fully embody what 4-H strives to instill in youth.

The Illinois 4-H Foundation established the statewide Hall of Fame in 2004 to honor and celebrate extraordinary 4-H alumni, volunteers, and former 4-H staff. Each inductee received a commemorative Hall of Fame medallion.

For more information about 4-H programming call the University of Illinois Extension – Extension office located Ottawa, 815-433-0707.

The Mission of University of Illinois Extension is to provide practical education you can trust to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future. University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. Visit our website at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/blmp/