The Bluestem Earth Festival Award recognizes an individual or organization who by example, leadership or advocacy, has demonstrated a commitment to building a more resilient, sustainable and socially equitable community as reflected by the corporate stances of the Joliet Franciscans.
“Inspiring others to follow in the Franciscan spirit
of caring for all of creation”
2019: Bluestem Earth Festival and the Joliet Franciscan Sisters were honored to present the 2019 Bluestem Earth Festival Award to Gary Cheney of ShareFest Will County. Gary demonstrates exceptional community service and outreach, advocating for those in need on a daily basis. The award was presented to Mr. Cheney on Saturday, April 13, 2019 at the University of St. Francis at an invitation-only award dinner.
Gary Cheney, Founder of ShareFest Will County
The award given to Gary Cheney is made by Rivanna Natural Designs. The company was founded in 2001 to create green jobs for refugees and others in our community who needed safe, meaningful, and rewarding employment. They use FSC®-certified wood, FSC® Recycled Richlite and other planet-friendly and recycled materials in their products. Rivanna Natural Designs is 100% woman-owned.
Table plants for award dinner are a native species from the Possibility Place Nursery, Monee, Illinois.
2018:
Jerry Adelmann and Rita Travis, Bluestem Earth Festival Co-Chair
Bluestem Earth Festival and the Joliet Franciscan Sisters were honored to present the 2018 Bluestem Earth Festival Award to Gerald W. Adelmann, President and CEO of Openlands. The award was presented to Mr. Adelmann, Sunday, April 8, 2018 at the University of St. Francis at an invitation-only award dinner.
The award given to Jerry Adelmann was also made by Rivanna Natural Designs.