Crusader Community Health

ROCKFORD, IL (OCTOBER 16, 2014) The Crusader Community Health Foundation announced the winners of the annual Spirit of Caring Awards at its 42nd anniversary event, Shake, Rattle & Roll held on October 17th at Giovanni's. The event attended by more than 500 people also featured a 50's themed dinner, 50's theme music by Eddie B. Jazz, live and silent auction items, and a raffle. The Crusader Community Health Foundation initiated the Spirit of Caring Awards in 1992 to honor special individuals and organizations in our community who have demonstrated outstanding efforts in caring for others. This year we added the Spirit-of-the-Future Award to honor persons 40 and younger for their caring efforts. Fourteen individuals and 6 organizations were nominated for the award by family and friends in recognition of their care and concern for others. Crusader Community Health presented the 23rd Annual Spirit of Caring Awards to: Rebecca Epperson, Allen Pang DDS & Charles Smith M.D. The Spirit-of-the-Future Award was given to Mariah Anast. The organization award went to the Junior League of Rockford. REBECCA EPPERSON Rebecca Epperson deeply cares for the well-being of this community and puts forth incredible effort to give back ten-fold. She encapsulates the United Way's mantra of "Live United" being deeply involved with UW for the past six years including chair of the 2013-2014 campaign which raised $5.3 million. Rebecca gives of her time, talent and treasure serving on the boards of the OSF Saint Anthony Foundation, Rockford Symphony Orchestra and serves on the Transform Rockford Communication Team. ALLEN PANG, DDS After retiring from a successful private dental practice, Dr. Pang joined Crusader Community Health to treat the medically underserved children of Rockford with dental care and compassion for five years. The Winnebago County Dental Society, recognizing Dr. Pang's "Service above Self", awarded him the "Dr. Scott Erickson Memorial Caring Award". He is a member of the Crusader Community Health Foundation Board, Past Potentate of Tebala Shrine Temple and served on the boards of Klehm Arboretum, Wesley Willows and Rosecance Home. His level of commitment is truly valued and worthy of recognition. CHARLES SMITH MD Following the suicide death of their daughter, Carrie, Dr. Charles Smith and his wife Bobbi, were moved into action and began a search for the cause of their daughter's depression as well as possible solutions. Through networking among the mental health community they formed Group Hope, a free support system dedicated to improving the lives of those dealing with mental health issues. Thousands of meetings have been conducted throughout Rockford helping over 20,000 attendees having an impact on both individuals and the community.