
In addition to recognizing the exemplary 2023 Class of Heroes, the Red Cross of Illinois presents the prestigious Heritage Award, annually as part of its Heroes Breakfast event.
The Heritage Award recognizes the consummate spirit of heroism and humanitarianism at a distinguished level. It acknowledges the demonstration of long-term commitment to improvement of the lives of others through actions, deeds, and philanthropic works in the corporate and civic communities.
Tom Wilson has been CEO of Allstate since 2007 and Chair of the Board of Directors since 2008. He is a public advocate for business playing a broad role in society through initiatives such as providing living wages and improving diversity and equity.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce enhanced sustainability under Wilson’s leadership by clarifying its purpose and embracing bipartisanship. He currently chairs the Board of Trustees of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and holds leadership positions in the financial services industry and the community.
Wilson has led Allstate through the global financial crisis and increased severe weather due to climate change. He is now leading an innovative multi-year Transformative Growth strategy at the company.
Ed Wehmer, Wintrust’s CEO and Founder, is responsible for overseeing the execution of the day-to-day operations and strategic initiatives of the organization. He is the only member of the Board who is also a manager of the Company. As such, he provides views of Company management and substantial insight into Company operations, as well as historical context for the Board’s discussions.
Ed serves on several boards in the area, including Northwestern Memorial Foundation and the Archdiocese of Chicago. He and his wife, Dorothy, are involved in many charitable organizations in the Chicagoland area.
The American Red Cross of Greater Chicago would like to invite you to nominate someone you know who has acted with bravery, dedication and service for the benefit of their community.
Selected Heroes will be honored at our Heroes Breakfast in 2024.
Nominate your hero and be entered to win a $25 Amazon gift card!*
Candidates are honored in 12 categories. See descriptions here.
Candidates must live or work in the following Illinois counties:
Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, LaSalle, Lake, McHenry, or Will.
Heroic act must have occurred within the 2022 calendar year or be ongoing.
*All nominators that submit a nomination between January 1 and December 31, 2022 will be entered into a drawing for one of three $25 Amazon gift cards. Submit multiple nominations to receive multiple entries. Winners of gift cards will be chosen in January 2023 and notified by email. No purchase necessary to enter.