Featured Article
Ann BalusekPosted: June 28, 2008
By: Lauren Wiscomb
Ann Balusek has done an astonishing amount of work to make her community better. She can be credited with the creation of Root2Fruit, a grant program that operates under the Evanston Community Foundation working to give grants to deserving grassroots not-for-profit organizations in the Evanston community. In addition to her management of Root2Fruit, Ann works to create charter schools in inner city Chicago and supports a number of other community initiatives. A true believer in giving back, she knows that not-for-profit work extends beyond the community. In line with this principle, Ann also donates her time to an organization that works to teach children growing up in the city slums of India the skills that can help them lead productive and financially independent lives. ... Ann Balusek has done an astonishing amount of work to make her community better. She can be credited with the creation of Root2Fruit, a grant program that operates under the Evanston Community Foundation working to give grants to deserving grassroots not-for-profit organizations in the Evanston community. In addition to her management of Root2Fruit, Ann works to create charter schools in inner city Chicago and supports a number of other community initiatives. A true believer in giving back, she knows that not-for-profit work extends beyond the community. In line with this principle, Ann also donates her time to an organization that works to teach children growing up in the city slums of India the skills that can help them lead productive and financially independent lives. Much of this creative energy can be traced to her upbringing in Omaha, Nebraska. Ann's father created a family foundation that has been giving back for upwards of 15 years. She and her sister followed in their father's footsteps and help to utilize their family's foundation to better the areas in which they live. Ann's sister, Nancy, runs a program similar to Root2Fruit in Omaha. Just as her father taught her the importance of giving back, Ann teaches her daughter these same values by taking her along on trips to India and allowing her to pick her own causes to support. Given this formidable resume, I didn't quite know what to expect of Ann. As I pulled up to a house nearly obscured by expertly maintained gardens and greenery, I recall being slightly nervous because I was running late. I guess I figured a woman who has done as much as she had would be worried about the five minute lapse between our agreed upon time and the soft knock on her side door. To my relief, I was greeted by an excited menagerie of cats and dogs and a smiling lady who looked nothing but happy to see me. I suppose I shouldn't assume staunch formality goes hand in hand with great accomplishment. "I hope you don't mind sitting in the kitchen, I'm not really a living room person," she said to me as I entered the inviting house stacked with interesting artifacts and souvenirs from various places.Sitting in Ann's kitchen discussing the various fascinating organizations that have been a part of her program over the last 6 years naturally lead us to the topic of personal interest and motivation. We began to discuss the power that many members of the North Shore community have to give back, and the almost infinite number of deserving programs that exist right in our back yard. When asked what her personal motivation was, Ann replied, "We all need to make time to give back, that's really the overarching message in all of this." On that note, it is perhaps important to remember that each person has the ability to support what they are passionate about in that they have time to give. Ann Balusek is certainly an outstanding living example of this choice.
(1) Comments
|
 |
|
|
you are here: home > treasures
The special people, businesses and opportunities in our hometowns, that make us happy to live here, are Local Treasures. MakeItBetter.net celebrates them and helps you find these wonderful resources. Please nominate your favorite Local Treasures. They will receive a certificate and notification of your recommendation. Each Monday we feature a new Local Treasure on this page.
Resources
Local Businesses
Businesses that give back and enhance our community.
Cottage Industry
Local In-Home Treasures that Enhance our Community.
In Home Services
These businesses make your life easier by coming to you.
People
North Shore residents whose extraordinary efforts enhance our community.
Auto
Home & Garden
Food & Drink
Gifts & Jewelry
Personal Services
Clothing
Cleaners & Tailors
Art, Books, Music & Entertainment
Medical
Video/Photography
Pet Services
How To
How To Become A Local Treasure
|
|
|
Comments
What an inspiring lady~ our community is lucky to have her in it.
by: julie @ Thursday July 3, 2008 | 9:04:43 PM