Each year The Community House (TCH) in Hinsdale presents the annual Katharine Van Dusen Sylvester Service Award to a qualified recipient. This prestigious award was named in honor of Ms. Sylvester when TCH Board leadership originally set a goal to identify and recognize individuals and organizations associated with extensive volunteer work and dedication to the non-profit organization.
Ms. Sylvester, who is also a longstanding member of the King-Bruwaert House (KBH) Board of Directors in Burr Ridge, embodies the spirit of the TCH service award through her own extensive involvement and support of the organization. For years, she was associated with the highly successful Antiques Show, a fundraising event that helped to support TCH programs. She served separately as Chairman of the Antiques Show and Chairman of the Antiques Committee, and also earlier served as an event hostess. In addition, Ms. Sylvester served on the TCH Board of Directors and helped to co-chair the Building Committee that spearheaded a major renovation project and addition for the popular and active community center.
Ms. Sylvester continues to play a key leadership role with KBH. Serving on the KBH Board of Directors since the late 1990s, she has been the founding Chairman of the Decorating and Buildings and Grounds Committees and has worked closely with fellow Board members in overseeing consecutive major construction and renovation projects at the senior living and continuous care community. She also helped to create the history walls at KBH that include photos and memorabilia from the earliest years of the organization.
Among other community interests, Ms. Sylvester was a founding Board member of Hinsdale Bank and Trust, and a member of the Hinsdale Parks and Recreation Commission. In addition, she is a member of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
The 2022 Community House Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Stephanie Seppanen of Hinsdale who was recognized for her dedication, support and service for more than a decade. Her contributions have included Executive Board and Board membership, Social Services Committee work, Chairman of the Walk the Walk Mental Health event, and active involvement with The Community Revue theater program.