By Eric Stock
BLOOMINGTON – A woman who has feed the hungry and sheltered battered women in Bloomington-Normal has been honored for her decades of service to the community.
Clare House founder Tina Sipula was been named this year’s WJBC Don Munson Spirit of McLean County Spirit Award at the McLean County at the Red Cross of the Heartland Saluting Our Heroes breakfast at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Bloomington.
Sipula opened the Clare House as a domestic violence shelter in 1979 and it later became a homeless shelter and then a food panty. Sipula ran it for 37 years with all volunteer help before recently announcing her retirement.
“My plans are to take a little time for myself which I’ve put aside for about 37 years and maybe do some reading and actually finish a book,” Sipula said, adding there’s also some writing in her future. “I’ve been telling stories for along time and people have been telling me I need to write that down”
The Red Cross honors went to:
Armed Forces Award: Curt Hawk Hawk. The former U.S. Army and Army Reservist volunteered his time to restore the World War II Monument outside the McLean County Museum of History.
Good Samaritan Award: Kent Morefield. He rescued a 98-year-old neighbor whose tractor had tipped over, leaving the neighbor hanging upside down for three hours.
Health and Safety Award: Andrew “Drew” Reddington. Reddington saved the life of his wife, Laura, when her heart stopped. He called 911 and administered CPR until paramedics arrived.
Ambassador Award: Friends Forever Steering Committee. The group works with youths from around the world to bridge cultural, political and religious differences.
Public Service Award: Downs Fire Department. Firefighters rescued a dog that fell through ice on a lake.
Volunteer Award: Barbara Brown. Brown began Healing Rides, a free service for older adults and people with disabilities, with the support of Wesley United Methodist Church in Bloomington.
Youth Award: Zach Mikel. Mikel witnessed a serious bike accident on his way home from school, asked a companion to call 911 and aided the injured bike rider.
Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].
