Harriet Vance Parkhurst 

Sustainer of the Year Award

What Sustainer impressed you this year with her commitment to the Junior League of Peoria?

Was she your Sustainer Advisor?

Was she your Sustainer Mentor?

Was she someone you saw truly working to further the goals of the League and the development of its members?

Whomever she may be, take the time to honor and thank her by nominating her for the Harriet Vance Parkhurst Sustainer of the Year Award!

Overview:  The Harriet Vance Parkhurst Sustainer of the Year Award was created in 1997 to annually recognize and honor a Sustainer for her extraordinary commitment to the Junior League of Peoria and to the community.  The award was named in memory of Harriet Vance Parkhurst.

Harriet was an ebullient personality, full of fun, with a quick wit that kept humor laced throughout all that she accomplished.  Her keen intelligence, coupled with self-effacing humility, allowed people, from many walks of life, to be drawn to and comfortable with Harriet.  Discerning and evaluative without being judgmental, she was dearly loved by family and friends.

Harriet’s lifelong dedication to local, state, and national causes represent the consummate committed volunteer.  Constantly optimistic with flagging enthusiasm, energy, and drive, her motto was “Never say die.”  Harriet’s faith took multiple forms of expression, but the strongest thread seemed to be reaching out to others.  May the spirit that was Harriet be carried on in our own lives, echoing her belief: “Follow your heart and instincts and it shall be done!” -- Joan French and Jackie Kellogg

1. Past Recipients:

1997–1998    Dorothy Ann (D.A.) Fraser        1998–1999    Bonnie Noble

1999–2000    Jennie Armstrong        2000–2001    Margee Cullinan

2001–2002    Marilou Neumayer Putman        2002–2003    Vicki McCord

2003–2004    Mary Jo Ghighi        2004–2005    Marjorie Paulson

2005–2006    Patti Bash        2006–2007    Cathleen Williams

2007–2008    Vicky Stewart        2008–2009    Theresa Murphy

2009–2010    Betsy Bladel        2010–2011    Connie Frank

2011–2012    Polly Barton & Carlotta Bielfeldt    2012–2013    Lisa Plantamura

2013–2014    Brenda O’Russa        2014–2015    Joan Krupa

2015–2016    Trish Redman        2016–2017    Janet Roth

2017-2018    Carole Ackerman            2018-2019    Joann Blum

2019-2020    Beth Bussan                2020-2021    Cheryl Murin

2021-2022    Sara Meinart 

1. Award Criteria:

1. Must be a Sustaining member in good standing.  (Nominee must be living at the time of submission of nomination form.)

2. Must effectively demonstrate the spirit of voluntarism.

3. Must have a history of ongoing commitment to the Junior League of Peoria.

4. Must be a proven ambassador for the Junior League of Peoria in the community.

5. Must be an inspiration to fellow Sustainers.

6. Re-submissions of nominations from prior years are encouraged.

7. Volunteer of the Year Award recipients are not eligible.  (Please email the Harriet Vance Parkhurst Sustainer of the Year committee chair (sara.houshell@gmail.com) if you are unsure if your potential nominee was a previous Volunteer of the Year Award recipient.

1. Any Junior League of Peoria member may submit a nomination.

2. To submit a nomination, return this completed nomination form, along with at least one supporting letter from a Junior League of Peoria member, to Sara Hounshell-Meinhart at sara.hounshell@gmail.com or by mail to Junior League of Peoria % Lakeview Recreation Center, 1013 W Lake Ave, Peoria, Illinois 61614 by May 1, 2024..

3. The Harriet Vance Parkhurst Sustainer of the Year Committee will select the recipient.

4. Presentation of the award will be made May 9th at the Sustainer Spring Luncheon.