University of Illinois Springfield's annual Good as Gold Ceremony spotlights local volunteers and nonprofit organizations. The event is a collaboration among the UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center, the Junior League of Springfield and United Way of Central Illinois.
Distinctions were awarded to various businesses, students and staff. Nonprofit organizations and community members nominate outstanding volunteers who exemplify a lifetime of giving. Up to five finalists are selected, and one is named the Distinguished Volunteer and receives a stipend from the Staley Foundation. Nominees are judged on the duration and impact of their service, as well as their commitment to improving others' lives.
Jill Hawkins-Wright, program director for the Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center, started in her role in November 2018, previously serving at Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach and in other volunteer roles. She has attended every Good as Gold Ceremony since it began in 2009 when her time at HSMO gave her the privilege of nominating its top volunteers.
"I've always left feeling incredibly inspired and honored to be in the presence of people making such a positive impact," she said. "Over the past six years on the (Gold as Gold) committee, reading every nomination has been deeply moving. I'm often moved to tears by the selflessness of those who dedicate their time and energy to help others."
"The most challenging part of the Good as Gold Ceremony is selecting winners from so many exceptional nominees," Hawkins-Wright continued. "It's incredibly difficult, given the work being done by all. Another challenge is securing robust sponsorships to ensure the event is as spectacular as the work it celebrates. But at the end of the day, the most rewarding part of this role is knowing that the work we're doing – from the food pantry to the service projects – is helping to make a lasting impact on our community. It's a privilege to be part of that positive change."
This year's five distinguished volunteer nominees were Mary Louise Nachtwey, Gary Weedman, Merle Shiffman, Maria del Pilar Mayorga Cardenas and Kathy Kauffman Smith.
Mary Louise Natchtwey's inspiration for volunteering arose as a youth from watching her father work in the hospice unit at St. John's Hospital. When she was old enough, she signed up to be a candy striper there.
"I always enjoyed getting people to move around, whether it was me pushing them in a wheelchair or walking with them," she recalled. "This made them happy to be out of their rooms and about the building or outside, which made me happy. I enjoy keeping moving, I enjoy helping people. It makes me feel good that things are getting accomplished, and I am making an impact on people's lives."
Gary Weedman also started volunteering at an early age. "I believe as a member of a community we have an obligation to be an active participant in the community," he stated. "I have had many great experiences in my life because of interactions with others. Through mentoring, counseling, sharing skills and knowledge with others, it teaches life skills that never go out of style." He encourages volunteering and sharing time and expertise. "You may be the spark that lights the fire to help someone achieve their dreams," he said.
Merle Shiffman grew up watching her family participate in the community. "I saw what volunteering could do for a community," she said.
"My best memories are when I see a student outside of school, and they introduce me as the library lady. I know I've made an impression. ... Since my volunteering is in the library, I am incredibly proud to watch the students begin to understand how important it is to read. In September, they don't care, but by May you've got them hooked on reading. ... Whether you have high aspirations of college and beyond or prefer to work with your hands in construction or as a plumber, reading is a vital part of your life. I'm hopeful that what I give them is a small stepping stone for their future."
Maria del Pilar Mayorga Cardenas was born in Colombia amid scarcity and difficulty, which taught her the true value of sharing.
"When I arrived in Springfield 13 years ago, I sought to connect with people who shared those same values. That was when I found wonderful teams guided by inspiring leaders who took me by the hand and warmly integrated me into their volunteer groups," she said. "This experience has given me the opportunity to learn from them every day as they constantly inspire me to see the world from a more empathetic perspective and reinforce my commitment to collective wellbeing."
Kathy Kauffman Smith, recognized as this year's Distinguished Winner, began her volunteering journey 25 years ago when she accompanied her son's youth group to Washington Street Mission to feed the homeless a warm breakfast. She later volunteered there and at the Salvation Army.
"I became so attached to the unhoused population and just wanted to help in any way I could. ... Volunteering gets me motivated every day to get up, get moving and go serve. Serving PBJs the last four years to 13 different places in Springfield has been extremely rewarding."
Kauffman Smith runs the nonprofit PBJ Springfield and organizes volunteers to make namesake sandwiches to hand out at different locations such as Washington Street Mission, Salvation Army Shelter, Helping Hands, Contact Ministries or St. John's Breadline.
"I am most proud of the fact that PBJ Springfield has grown from 30 PBJs a week to 2,000 to 2,500 a week," Kauffman Smith stated. "I am also proud of all the people who have stepped up to help provide PBJs, fruit and snacks for the unhoused and those living in poverty. So many individuals, organizations, school groups and churches have been faithfully helping and donating."
"I believe we were each created for a purpose, and helping the homeless and those living in poverty is my purpose," added Kauffman Smith. "We are one circumstance or life-altering event away from having a different outcome in terms of having a job or home. Not only do I personally feel fulfilled by this particular volunteer opportunity, but all of the volunteers I have met and become friends with throughout our community is an added bonus."
For more information visit https://www.uis.edu/volunteer/good-gold
Distinguished Volunteer Award
Kathy Smith received the 2025 Distinguished Volunteer Award. Smith, the founder and director of PBJ Springfield, leads a ministry that provides sandwiches to people experiencing homelessness and others in need, inspiring more than 23 community organizations to participate. She also founded Off the Streets, which helps clients transition from homelessness to housing by arranging for essential donations.
Additionally, Smith volunteers at the Washington Street Mission, where she has helped secure about $20,000 in donations and collect supplies for those in need.
Finalists for the 2025 Distinguished Volunteer Award included Maria del Pilar Mayorga Cardenas, Mary Louise Nachtwey, Merle Shiffman and Gary Weedman.
Star Student Award
UIS student Galia Cossyleon received the Star Student Award. Cossyleon volunteers biweekly with the Springfield Immigrant Advocacy Network, focusing on providing free, nutritious food to community members. She is also involved in SIAN's educational initiatives, including workshops and events centered on social justice.
UIS student Gracie Orme was also nominated for the award.
Star Staff Award
Claire Gordon, a communication instructor at UIS, received the Star Staff Award. She was nominated by the Springfield Choral Society, where she has served on the board since August 2023 and currently chairs the Community Engagement Committee.
Gordon has also served as production coordinator for events at the Hoogland Center for the Arts and co-chaired the "A Night on Broadway" gala for several years. Since 2020, she has led cardiac rehab support groups through the Ornish Lifestyle Medicine Program. In 2025, she joined "Sing from the Heart," a program that helps individuals with Alzheimer's express themselves through singing, supported by caregivers and Springfield Choral Society members.
Jennifer Martin, associate professor in the UIS School of Education, was also nominated for the award.
Youth Service Award
Alexander Haworth received the Youth Service Award. Haworth, a ninth-grade student at Lanphier High School, was nominated by Compass for Kids. He has been involved with Compass since 2019, starting with Club Compass and most recently participating in the 2023–24 Youth Leadership Development Program.
Haworth volunteers at the same Club Compass site he once attended, assisting younger students with homework and activities. As the youngest volunteer, he consistently demonstrates dedication and leadership. He also volunteers through the VolunTEEN program at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
Cadence Crolly was also nominated for the award.
Heart of Gold Community Awards
Twenty-four volunteers or organizations received the Heart of Gold Award. Honorees included: Chris Ahr, Anne Armitage, Sandy Begue, Amber Boone, Patricia Carley, Kimberly Cochran, Sandie Cornett, Jim Endris, Jo Ann Hamende, Leah Hardy, Mike Horstman, Robert John Kane, Susie Krohe-Slaughter, Andy Lee, Dick Livingston, Ed McDowall, Deborah Raupp, Roger Schlichting, Frank Sugent, Mary Lou Spengel, Andrew Weitzel, Bonnie Williams, Chris Zaccari and the Indian Student Organization.
Organization of the Year Award
Compass for Kids received the 2025 Organization of the Year Award. The nonprofit provides free programming to support eligible District 186 students, empowering low-income children and their families with academic and social-emotional support.
Other nominees included the American Business Club of Springfield, Central Illinois Customer Service Association (CILCSA), Fifth Street Renaissance/SARA Center and Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach.
Business Honor Roll
Eight Sangamon County businesses were named to the Business Honor Roll, which recognizes companies that prioritize community service. Awards were presented in two categories: businesses with 1–10 employees and those with more than 150 employees. One business in each category received the Golden Distinction.
Businesses with 1–10 employees included AlignLife Chiropractic, Formea Insurance Group Inc., Interurban Merchant and The Wakery. Bloom Hospitality & Catering received the Golden Distinction. The business provides free coffee at nonprofit and community events, including the Illinois Local Conference and Awards, and has donated meals to Compass for Kids' after-school program and the Illinois Army National Guard.
Concordia Village received the Golden Distinction among businesses with more than 150 employees. The company donates to the United Way, the Alzheimer's Association and Springfield Supportive Living during the holidays. It also supports Concordia Lutheran Grade School with school supplies and scholarships, donates books to the local library, sends supplies to troops and recycles eyeglasses through the Lions Club.
Other businesses honored included Bank of Springfield and KEB.
