DGTDO Honors Volunteers
Each year, the Downers Grove Township Democratic Organization selects a member to nominate for the Democratic Party of DuPage County William Redmond Precinct Committeeperson of the Year Award and the Kathryn “Tinker” Harvey Pioneer Award. These awards honor members who have shown exemplary volunteer service to the Democratic Party William Redmond was a Democratic State Representative from Bensenville from 1959-1981, who also served as Speaker of the Illinois House. Kathryn “Tinker” Harvey was a long time Precinct Committeeperson in Downers Grove, Chair of the Democratic Party of DuPage County, Chair of the Downer Grove Township Democratic Organization, State Central Committeewoman and Delegate to the Democratic National Convention. This year, DGTDO added local awards, the Red Brownson Organizer of the Year Award and the Chris Johnson Volunteer Award in memory of two volunteers who were devoted to the Democratic Party.
Reid McCollum, a Hinsdale resident, is the recipient of the Precinct Committeeperson of the Year Award. He was instrumental in recruiting and training new PCs in Hinsdale. Due to his persistence, his home precinct turned out a Democratic majority in 2018. As a leader in the Coalition for a Better Illinoi 6th District, he worked with many organizations to plan and promote events to raise awareness of the need for a congressional representative who reflected the district. He also volunteered countless hours for the victorious Sean Casten Campaign. His work is truly inspirational.
Beth Brownson, a Downers Grove Precinct Committeeperson, is the recipient of the Kathryn “Tinker” Harvey Award. She has been the Secretary for the Downers Grove Township Democratic Organization since 2004 and was previously the Secretary for the Democratic Party of DuPage County. She is a Precinct Committeeperson in Downers Grove and was previously elected to that role when she lived in York Township. She has been a candidate for office and has actively recruited Democratic candidates for ballot slots in DuPage County. Her long-term commitment to electing Democrats in DuPage County is exceptional.
Maryann Vazquez, a Downers Grove Precinct Committeeperson, is the recipient of the Red Brownson Organizer of the Year Award. Maryann supervised phonebanks and canvasses during the 2018 campaign for the Pritzker campaign and the Casten campaign. She also coordinated events and canvasses for Tom Chlystek’s campaign. She currently is the Volunteer Coordinator for the DGTDO and works with the Events and Outreach Committee to organize events in the office. Maryann has a great capacity for connecting with volunteers and making the work “fun”.
Sue Sitton, a Downers Grove Township Precinct Committeeperson, is the recipient of the Chris Johnson Volunteer of the Year Award. In addition to coordinating several precincts in the township, Sue is co-editor of the DGTDO monthly newsletter, is the website manager and a regular office volunteer. She is usually the first person to step in to fill an open spot in the office schedule and can often be found working on various projects in the office when she is not the official volunteer for the day. Sue’s dependability is a great asset to Democrats in the township and the county.
DGTDO has many other outstanding volunteers and we value the contributions that they offer. Thank you to all of our volunteers and donors for your persistence in working to elect Democrats.