Cook County Farm Bureau Named 2021 Power of A Award Winner by ASAE
(Adapted from ASAE’s press release, July 29, 2021)
Earlier this summer, the American Society for Association Executives (ASAE) announced the winners of the 2021 Power of A Awards, including Cook County Farm Bureau’s Food Pantry Support program. As visits to local food pantries skyrocketed on average by more than 50% and at times up to 150% during the height of the pandemic, Cook County Farm Bureau developed several subprojects designed to enable Farm Bureau to reach its objective of financially supporting in-need families and the food pantries that support them. The Food Pantry Support project included in-person efforts to purchase and deliver food and member donations to partner food pantries; online engagement to raise awareness of area food pantries, their needs, and service areas; and a grant program for local food pantries to expand their food offerings or facility in light of unprecedented need due to the pandemic. Overall, this project directly impacted over 7,400 individuals, engaged 15 Farm Bureau and 153 community volunteers, and 72 community partners.
The Power of A Awards were created to celebrate and promote the invaluable contributions that associations make to America and the world. Six associations will be recognized with a 2021 Summit Award, ASAE’s highest honor for the association community, during the Summit Awards on September 30, 2021, at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC.
The winners were selected by ASAE’s Power of A Awards Judging Committee. This year, the committee received 118 entries in five award categories: The Power of Advocacy; The Power of Industry/Professional Advancement; The Power of Global Development; The Power of Diversity and Inclusion; and The Power of Community Support and Engagement.
“Congratulations to this year’s Power of A Award winners, who continue to exemplify the indelible impact associations have on not just the industries and professions they represent, but on society at large,” said Barry Pilson, CAE, 2021 Chair of the Power of A Awards Judging Committee. “Given the pandemic-related challenges associations experienced over the past year, it’s incredible to see countless cases of associations going above and beyond their everyday mission to change the world. It’s a testament to our community and we’re very proud to highlight these award-winning initiatives this year.”
Janet McCabe, President of the Cook County Farm Bureau, said, “We are so very proud of the efforts made through the generous support of many members to provide food and resources for food pantries across the Chicagoland area during this very difficult time of the pandemic.”
This is the 2nd Summit Award received by the Cook County Farm Bureau. In 2012, the organization was recognized with the Power of A Summit award for the organization’s efforts to support area Ronald McDonald House Charities®.
The 2012 Summit Award received by Cook County Farm Bureau
The Summit Awards, founded by George D. Kirkland, CAE, is ASAE’s signature event of the year showcasing the unique and indispensable role associations play in America and around the world in bettering communities, fostering volunteer efforts, and harnessing the collective will and expertise of their members to ensure a better quality of life. As reinforced by the Power of A program, America's associations have the power to drive the economy, put people to work, prepare for the future, and enrich lives. The Summit Awards is the industry's chance to celebrate our profession and share that positive message with other key audiences.