The numerous letters of recommendation for the 2011 George E. Noyes Community Spirit Award highlighted a lengthy list of community and school related projects in which Mimi Dray of Wilmette had been involved, but it was a personal letter of recommendation, written by her daughter Emily, that drew attention at the Annual Town Meeting in April when the Award was presented.

 

"A beautiful letter eloquently summed up all the other letters of recommendation," noted New Trier Township Government Trustee Gerri Kahnweiler, in making the presentation. Mimi’s eldest daughter, Emily, wrote, "I cannot think of a more succinct way to describe my mom’s devotion to the New Trier Township than the words "community spirit." Her support and participation in many community and school related projects shaped the future of the Township and ensured that necessary resources are available to meet the needs of this dynamic community."

 

To watch a video of the presentation, click here.

 

Mimi has held leadership positions over the past 19 years in the McKenzie, Highcrest, Wilmette Junior High and Village Wide PTO’s including serving as President of the Wilmette Junior High and Village Wide PTO. She was the Founder of the Grocery Dollars Program at McKenzie School, and a Board Member of Safety Town. Presently she serves on the Board of Trustees of the District 39 Educational Foundation; is Treasurer of the Volunteer Center of New Trier Township, a Board Member of the Fine Arts Association for New Trier Township High School and a three-time chair of the New Trier Jazz Festival.

 

Since 2006 the George E. Noyes Community Spirit Award has recognized individuals within the Township who have displayed a continuous commitment to civic participation. Among the past recipients are Sandra Berger of Winnetka, Irvinia Warren of Winnetka, and Karen Donnan of Wilmette. Each of these winners embodies a sense of caring and responsibility for others that address community issues.

 

New Trier Township’s mission is to provide leadership, advocacy and resources to benefit the physical, mental and social-well being of Township residents.  Established in 1850, New Trier Township government serves the 56,000 residents in the villages of Wilmette, Kenilworth, Winnetka, and Glencoe, plus portions of Glenview and Northfield. The Township Office is located at 739 Elm Street in Winnetka or on-line at www.newtriertownship.com