By FRED KRONER
When an event takes place, it’s usually because some people have been willing to step forward and donate their time and talents.
Sometimes, those people are out front and easily identifiable by the public through interviews or serving as a spokesman for the event.
More often than not, they labor behind the scenes, taking satisfaction in seeing the end result run smoothly and a community embracing the event.
Mahomet’s Mike McDermith is one of the people who frequently volunteers to lend a hand where needed.
On Thursday (Feb. 4), he was recognized for his efforts. McDermith was chosen as Volunteer of the Year by the Mahomet Area Chamber of Commerce.
He was honored at an online ceremony.
Through the years, the Cerro Gordo native has been a part of various volunteer endeavors, ranging from coaching to working with Habitat for Humanity to the St. Jude run to the Christmas Walk and to the Santa House.
“I volunteer just when it fits in,” McDermith said. “I don’t necessarily focus on any specific volunteer efforts.
“I will just pitch in as opportunities come up.”
He has the luxury of working for a company that encourages its employees to volunteer within their communities.
“I have no specific agenda when to volunteer outside of helping the Mahomet community or causes for loved ones,” McDermith said.
“My day job, Human Kinetics, does give us time off for volunteer options, which is really a nice benefit the company provides.”
An Illinois State University graduate, McDermith is the information technology director at Human Kinetics.
The rewards from his volunteer ventures are self-sustaining.
“I love seeing people in the community enjoying the various events,” McDermith said. “I helped with the Zoom Santa, and loved seeing all the kids excited to get to speak to Santa from their homes.
“It was especially fulfilling when I knew the families.”
There have been times when McDermith and his wife (Elizabeth VanHoutan McDermith, owner of Yellow and Co. and Paint Like ME!) were able to serve together.
“The first opportunities that jumped out to me were a few years back with the Christmas Walk,” McDermith said. “Each year, Elizabeth and I have been on the Christmas Walk committee. That is a very enjoyable experience.
“Elizabeth and I have done a lot of fundraisers through our businesses, including a lot for the American Cancer Society.”
The couple has been active locally since they moved to Mahomet, a community which fit their needs.
“We landed in Mahomet, because we wanted a small town, or at least a town with a small-town feel,” McDermith said. “It was close enough to family, but still far enough away.”
Area residents have not only welcomed the McDermiths, but also the numerous events which have been fixtures in the village.
“The Community has seemed to really appreciate all the events the Chamber puts on,” McDermith said. “I haven’t had any challenges that I can think of.
“I am looking forward to the Soda Fest (Sept. 18) being added to the list of events, as well as the Christmas Walk getting bigger and bigger each year.
“I have enjoyed, and been very excited with the improvements year over year with the Christmas Walk. I am looking forward to it growing every year, including the emphasis on adding more lights.”
McDermith likes how active and innovative the Chamber has been in recent years.
“I would like to thank and show appreciation for the Chamber on the various initiatives to help the small businesses and restaurants,” he said, “and we appreciate the support we have gotten from the community for Yellow and Co.”
McDermith hopes that recognition for volunteers will spur others to consider offering assistance.
“I appreciate the sentiment of acknowledging the volunteers,” he said. “There are so many volunteers that make up the Chamber board and help in all the various initiatives.
“It is always nice to be recognized, so if that helps us get more volunteers, the better.”
The McDermiths have seven children in their blended family.
Other finalists for Volunteer of the Year were Craig Bliss and Matt Difanis.
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Mahomet Area
Chamber of Commerce
Annual Recognition Awards
Overall Business of the Year – Greg Collins, Mahomet Car Connection
Small Business of the Year – Brian Waibel, Waibel Farmland Services
Food Service of the Year – Satesha Patel and Paul Patel, Subway (two locations)
Startup Business of the Year – Craig Bliss, illini360
Health and Wellness Business of the Year – Kathleen El Koury, Insight Therapy
Volunteer of the Year – Mike McDermith
Community Servant of the Year – Jackie Butler, It Takes A Village
NOTE: Each business or individual will be profiled separately within the next week.
