TribLocal Hero Contest

TribLocal is giving away $500 to the charity of choice of one deserving local volunteer on behalf of our readers. Registered users of TribLocal will choose which volunteer will receive the donation.

Below are the 6 finalists, thanks to everyone who submitted a nomination. TribLocal readers can vote for their preferred volunteer until noon, July 10th. Only one vote per registered user.

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Contest closed July 10 at 12:00 p.m.
To vote in this contest, you must either create an account or sign in.

The contestants

  • Winner
    image_2901
    40% of votes
    FIRSTĀ© Robotics

    Dan Rooney

    Dan Rooney is a mechanical engineer for Motorola Solutions in Schaumburg, and uses his talents to mentor local high school students interested in technology. Through the FIRSTĀ© Robotics organization, Dan helps students build robots to compete against students from around the world.
    www.ilfirst.org

  • image_2897
    39% of votes
    Diveheart

    Jim Elliott

    Jim Elliott is the founder and president of Diveheart, a Downers Grove-based nonprofit organization that serves children, adults, and veterans with disabilities. Diveheart helps build confidence and independence in children, adults and veterans with disabilities through the sport of scuba diving.
    www.diveheart.org

  • image_2900
    7% of votes
    The Bridge Teen Center

    Mike Impallaria

    Mike Impallaria is a culinary arts student at Robert Morris University who believes in sharing his passion for cooking with others. Mike gives free culinary arts demonstrations at The Bridge Teen Center in Orland Park that are designed specifically for teens.
    www.thebridgeteencenter.org

  • image_2898
    6% of votes
    Turning Point

    Tom Erwin

    Tom Erwin is a volunteer for Turning Point, which is a domestic violence agency with a mission to confront violence against women and children in McHenry County, Illinois. Tom is dedicated to helping Turning Point by helping keep the facility running smoothly throughout the year.
    www.mchenrycountyturningpoint.org

  • image_2899
    6% of votes
    Living Philanthropic

    Carlo Garcia

    Carlo Garcia's mission is to give to charity every day and is built on a belief that you don't have to be rich in dollars to make a difference, you only need to be rich in spirit. He finished his official Living Philanthropic challenge making 365 donations in 365 days, but he continues to educate, volunteer, and donate time and money to local charities.
    livingphilanthropic.tumblr.co

  • image_2896
    1% of votes
    Park Ridge Historic Tours

    Dick Barton

    Dick Barton's ideas and work for the Park Ridge Historic Tours benefitted two foundations. Along with his efforts for Taste of Park Ridge, Rainbow Hospice, and as Park Commissioner and Chamber President, Park Ridge wouldn't be the same without him.
    www.parkridge.us

TribLocal Hero | Official contest rules