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CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20261013T230000Z
DTEND:20261014T013000Z
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SUMMARY:2026 Spotlight Awards
DESCRIPTION:Join Us for the\n\n2026 Spotlight Awards\n\n\n\n \n\nWe are thrilled to announce the 2026 Spotlight Awards\, a celebration of outstanding achievements and contributions within our business community. This prestigious event honors the individuals and organizations whose vision\, creativity\, and dedication continue to make Oak Park and River Forest shine.  \n\n\n\nEarly Bird Ticket Pricing $35 (Ends October 1st)\n\nTickets After October 1st- $45\n\nNon-Member Pricing- $50\n\nAward Categories\n\n \n\nNew & Notable\n\nThis award recognizes a business\, non-profit\, or organization that opened between 2024?2026 and has already made a meaningful impact through innovation\, engagement\, and creativity.\n\n2026 Finalists: EcoWilde\, Oak Park Red Dragon\, Joy Tea\, Peace & Joy Within Yoga\n\n \n\nHealth & Wellness Award\n\nThis new award honors organizations dedicated to improving the physical\, mental\, or emotional well-being of our residents. It recognizes leadership in care\, prevention\, education\, and support services.\n\n2026 Finalists: Dynamic Lynks\, Heal Wellness + Longevity\, Oak Park-River Forest Infant Welfare Society\, FFC\n\n \n\nNon-Profit of the Year Award\n\nThis new award recognizes a mission-driven organization that demonstrates measurable impact\, strong leadership\, and meaningful community engagement.\n\n2026 Finalists: Oak Leyden\, Styles 4 Kidz NFP\, Sarah's Inn\, Collaboration for Early Childhood\n\n \n\nExcellent Eats\n\nThis award represents culinary excellence and hospitality leadership in our community. It honors a restaurant\, bakery\, or catering service that not only serves exceptional food\, but also creates memorable experiences\, supports fellow local businesses\, and contributes to the vibrancy of Oak Park and River Forest?s dining scene.\n\n2026 Finalists: Maya del Sol\, Rustico\, Khyber Pass\, Cafe Cubano\n\n \n\nChamber Ambassador of the Year  \n\nThis new award celebrates a member who truly embodies the spirit of the Chamber. Whether through volunteering\, mentoring\, sponsoring\, or consistently showing up\, this individual strengthens connections and champions fellow members.\n\n2026 Finalists: Cliff Osborn\, Brian Dubina\, Nicole Nodi\, Mary Elworth\n\n \n\nThe OPRF Choice Award\n\nThe new OPRF Choice Award is the highest honor presented by the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce. It recognizes a business that exemplifies excellence in leadership\, growth\, community engagement\, and overall impact.\n\nThis award celebrates an organization that not only succeeds professionally\, but also actively strengthens the local economy\, supports fellow businesses\, and contributes to the vitality of Oak Park and River Forest.\n\nAfter all of the nominations are gathered\, the top choices will be up for a final vote by the attendees of the Spotlight Awards. The winner will be decided the night of the awards.\\\n\n2026 Finalists: Sugar Fix  P tisserie\, Whirlwind Coffee\, Oak Park Festival Theatre\, Comedy Plex\n\n \n\nWe can?t wait to reveal the winners and celebrate all of this year?s incredible nominees!\n\n \n\nWhat to Expect?\n\n\n	Magical Reception: A festive cocktail reception with an open bar\, a spread of delicious hors d'oeuvres\, and plenty of time to mingle and savor magical moments. \n	Award Ceremony: Celebrate the winners across various categories\, honoring their creativity\, dedication and impact on our community.\n	Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry leaders\, community influencers\, and peers in a vibrant\, inspiring atmosphere.\n\n\nSponsorship Opportunities:\n\nInterested in sponsoring the 2026 Spotlight Awards? We offer a range of sponsorship packages from $250-$3000 to suit your organization's needs and enhance your visibility within the community. For more information\, please click to download our guide or email specialevents@oprfchamber.org.  \n\n \n\nBe a part of this incredible evening as we honor the best in our business community. Dress to impress and prepare for an unforgettable night of celebration\, inspiration\, and connection.
X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:<h1 style="text-align: center\;"><span style="font-size:36px\;"><strong>Join Us for the<br />\n2026 Spotlight Awards</strong></span><br />\n<img alt="" height="333" src="https://chambermaster.blob.core.windows.net/userfiles/UserFiles/chambers/1821/Image/Spotlight-00294.JPG" style="width: 500px\; height: 333px\;" width="500" /></h1>\n\n<p>&nbsp\;</p>\n\n<p style="text-align: center\;"><span style="font-size:14px\;">We are thrilled to announce the 2026 Spotlight Awards\, a celebration of outstanding achievements and contributions within our business community. This prestigious event honors the individuals and organizations whose vision\, creativity\, and dedication continue to make Oak Park and River Forest shine.&nbsp\;&#65279\;<br />\n<br />\n<strong>Early Bird Ticket Pricing $35 (Ends October 1st)<br />\nTickets After October 1st- $45<br />\nNon-Member Pricing- $50</strong></span></p>\n\n<p background-color:="" dir="ltr" helvetica="" style="box-sizing: border-box\; margin: 0pt 0px\; font-size: 16px\; line-height: 1.38\; color: rgb(51\, 51\, 51)\; font-family: Arial\, "><span style="font-size:16px\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\; color: rgb(47\, 79\, 79)\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\; font-family: arial\, helvetica\, sans-serif\;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box\; font-weight: bold\;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-512d81ba-7fff-d929-10a4-f64727eb26da" style="box-sizing: border-box\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\; font-variant-numeric: normal\; font-variant-east-asian: normal\; font-variant-alternates: normal\; font-variant-position: normal\; vertical-align: baseline\; white-space-collapse: preserve\;">Award Categories</span></span></strong></span></span></span></span></p>\n\n<p background-color:="" dir="ltr" helvetica="" style="box-sizing: border-box\; margin: 0pt 0px\; font-size: 16px\; line-height: 1.38\; color: rgb(51\, 51\, 51)\; font-family: Arial\, ">&nbsp\;</p>\n\n<p background-color:="" dir="ltr" helvetica="" style="box-sizing: border-box\; margin: 0pt 0px\; font-size: 16px\; line-height: 1.38\; color: rgb(51\, 51\, 51)\; font-family: Arial\, "><span style="font-size:14px\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\; color: rgb(218\, 165\, 32)\;"><u style="box-sizing: border-box\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box\; font-weight: bold\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\; font-family: arial\, helvetica\, sans-serif\;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-512d81ba-7fff-d929-10a4-f64727eb26da" style="box-sizing: border-box\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\; font-variant-numeric: normal\; font-variant-east-asian: normal\; font-variant-alternates: normal\; font-variant-position: normal\; vertical-align: baseline\; white-space-collapse: preserve\;">New &amp\; Notable</span></span></span></strong></span></u></span></span></p>\n\n<p background-color:="" dir="ltr" helvetica="" style="box-sizing: border-box\; margin: 0pt 0px\; font-size: 16px\; line-height: 1.38\; color: rgb(51\, 51\, 51)\; font-family: Arial\, "><span style="font-size:14px\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\; font-family: arial\, helvetica\, sans-serif\;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-512d81ba-7fff-d929-10a4-f64727eb26da" style="box-sizing: border-box\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\; font-variant-numeric: normal\; font-variant-east-asian: normal\; font-variant-alternates: normal\; font-variant-position: normal\; vertical-align: baseline\; white-space-collapse: preserve\;">This award recognizes a business\, non-profit\, or organization that opened between 2024?2026 and has already made a meaningful impact through innovation\, engagement\, and creativity.</span></span></span></span></span></p>\n\n<p background-color:="" dir="ltr" helvetica="" style="box-sizing: border-box\; margin: 0pt 0px\; font-size: 16px\; line-height: 1.38\; color: rgb(51\, 51\, 51)\;"><strong><span style="font-size:14px\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\; font-family: arial\, helvetica\, sans-serif\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\; font-variant-numeric: normal\; font-variant-east-asian: normal\; font-variant-alternates: normal\; font-variant-position: normal\; vertical-align: baseline\; white-space-collapse: preserve\;">2026 Finalists: EcoWilde\, Oak Park Red Dragon\, Joy Tea\, Peace &amp\; Joy Within Yoga</span></span></span></span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p background-color:="" dir="ltr" helvetica="" style="box-sizing: border-box\; margin: 0pt 0px\; font-size: 16px\; line-height: 1.38\; color: rgb(51\, 51\, 51)\; font-family: Arial\, ">&nbsp\;</p>\n\n<p background-color:="" dir="ltr" helvetica="" style="box-sizing: border-box\; margin: 0pt 0px\; font-size: 16px\; line-height: 1.38\; color: rgb(51\, 51\, 51)\; font-family: Arial\, "><span style="font-size:14px\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\; color: rgb(218\, 165\, 32)\;"><u style="box-sizing: border-box\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box\; font-weight: bold\;">Health &amp\; Wellness Award</strong></span></u></span></span></p>\n\n<p background-color:="" dir="ltr" helvetica="" style="box-sizing: border-box\; margin: 0pt 0px\; font-size: 16px\; line-height: 1.38\; color: rgb(51\, 51\, 51)\; font-family: Arial\, "><span style="font-size:14px\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\; font-family: arial\, helvetica\, sans-serif\;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-512d81ba-7fff-d929-10a4-f64727eb26da" style="box-sizing: border-box\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\; font-variant-numeric: normal\; font-variant-east-asian: normal\; font-variant-alternates: normal\; font-variant-position: normal\; vertical-align: baseline\; white-space-collapse: preserve\;">This <strong style="box-sizing: border-box\; font-weight: bold\;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box\;">new </em></strong>award honors organizations dedicated to improving the physical\, mental\, or emotional well-being of our residents. It recognizes leadership in care\, prevention\, education\, and support services.<br />\n<strong>2026 Finalists: Dynamic Lynks\, Heal Wellness + Longevity\, Oak Park-River Forest Infant Welfare Society\, FFC</strong></span></span></span></span></span><br />\n&nbsp\;</p>\n\n<p background-color:="" dir="ltr" helvetica="" style="box-sizing: border-box\; margin: 0pt 0px\; font-size: 16px\; line-height: 1.38\; color: rgb(51\, 51\, 51)\; font-family: Arial\, "><span style="font-size:14px\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\; color: rgb(218\, 165\, 32)\;"><u style="box-sizing: border-box\;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box\; font-weight: bold\;">Non-Profit of the Year Award</strong></u></span></span></span></p>\n\n<p background-color:="" dir="ltr" helvetica="" style="box-sizing: border-box\; margin: 0pt 0px\; font-size: 16px\; line-height: 1.38\; color: rgb(51\, 51\, 51)\; font-family: Arial\, "><span style="font-size:14px\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\; font-family: arial\, helvetica\, sans-serif\;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-512d81ba-7fff-d929-10a4-f64727eb26da" style="box-sizing: border-box\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\; font-variant-numeric: normal\; font-variant-east-asian: normal\; font-variant-alternates: normal\; font-variant-position: normal\; vertical-align: baseline\; white-space-collapse: preserve\;">This <strong style="box-sizing: border-box\; font-weight: bold\;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box\;">new</em> </strong>award recognizes a mission-driven organization that demonstrates measurable impact\, strong leadership\, and meaningful community engagement.<br />\n<strong>2026 Finalists: Oak Leyden\, Styles 4 Kidz NFP\, Sarah&#39\;s Inn\, Collaboration for Early Childhood</strong></span></span></span></span></span></p>\n\n<p background-color:="" dir="ltr" helvetica="" style="box-sizing: border-box\; margin: 0pt 0px\; font-size: 16px\; line-height: 1.38\; color: rgb(51\, 51\, 51)\; font-family: Arial\, ">&nbsp\;</p>\n\n<p background-color:="" dir="ltr" helvetica="" style="box-sizing: border-box\; margin: 0pt 0px\; font-size: 16px\; line-height: 1.38\; color: rgb(51\, 51\, 51)\; font-family: Arial\, "><span style="font-size:14px\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\; color: rgb(218\, 165\, 32)\;"><u style="box-sizing: border-box\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box\; font-weight: bold\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\; font-family: arial\, helvetica\, sans-serif\;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-512d81ba-7fff-d929-10a4-f64727eb26da" style="box-sizing: border-box\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\; font-variant-numeric: normal\; font-variant-east-asian: normal\; font-variant-alternates: normal\; font-variant-position: normal\; vertical-align: baseline\; white-space-collapse: preserve\;">Excellent </span></span></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box\; font-family: arial\, helvetica\, sans-serif\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\; font-variant-numeric: normal\; font-variant-east-asian: normal\; font-variant-alternates: normal\; font-variant-position: normal\; vertical-align: baseline\; white-space-collapse: preserve\;">Eats</span></span></strong></span></u></span></span></p>\n\n<p background-color:="" dir="ltr" helvetica="" style="box-sizing: border-box\; margin: 0pt 0px\; font-size: 16px\; line-height: 1.38\; color: rgb(51\, 51\, 51)\; font-family: Arial\, "><span style="font-size:14px\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\;">This award represents culinary excellence and hospitality leadership in our community. It honors a restaurant\, bakery\, or catering service that not only serves exceptional food\, but also creates memorable experiences\, supports fellow local businesses\, and contributes to the vibrancy of Oak Park and River Forest?s dining scene.<br />\n<strong>2026 Finalists: Maya del Sol\, Rustico\, Khyber Pass\, Cafe Cubano</strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p background-color:="" dir="ltr" helvetica="" style="box-sizing: border-box\; margin: 0pt 0px\; font-size: 16px\; line-height: 1.38\; color: rgb(51\, 51\, 51)\; font-family: Arial\, ">&nbsp\;</p>\n\n<p background-color:="" dir="ltr" helvetica="" style="box-sizing: border-box\; margin: 0pt 0px\; font-size: 16px\; line-height: 1.38\; color: rgb(51\, 51\, 51)\; font-family: Arial\, "><span style="font-size:14px\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\; color: rgb(218\, 165\, 32)\;"><u style="box-sizing: border-box\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box\; font-weight: bold\;">Chamber Ambassador of the Year &#8203\;</strong></span></u></span></span></p>\n\n<p background-color:="" dir="ltr" helvetica="" style="box-sizing: border-box\; margin: 0pt 0px\; font-size: 16px\; line-height: 1.38\; color: rgb(51\, 51\, 51)\; font-family: Arial\, "><span style="font-size:14px\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\; font-family: arial\, helvetica\, sans-serif\;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-512d81ba-7fff-d929-10a4-f64727eb26da" style="box-sizing: border-box\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\; font-variant-numeric: normal\; font-variant-east-asian: normal\; font-variant-alternates: normal\; font-variant-position: normal\; vertical-align: baseline\; white-space-collapse: preserve\;">This <em style="box-sizing: border-box\;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box\; font-weight: bold\;">new</strong></em> award celebrates a member who truly embodies the spirit of the Chamber. Whether through volunteering\, mentoring\, sponsoring\, or consistently showing up\, this individual strengthens connections and champions fellow members.<br />\n<strong>2026 Finalists: Cliff Osborn\, Brian Dubina\, Nicole Nodi\, Mary Elworth</strong></span></span></span></span></span></p>\n\n<p background-color:="" dir="ltr" helvetica="" style="box-sizing: border-box\; margin: 0pt 0px\; font-size: 16px\; line-height: 1.38\; color: rgb(51\, 51\, 51)\; font-family: Arial\, ">&nbsp\;</p>\n\n<p background-color:="" dir="ltr" helvetica="" style="box-sizing: border-box\; margin: 0pt 0px\; font-size: 16px\; line-height: 1.38\; color: rgb(51\, 51\, 51)\; font-family: Arial\, "><span style="font-size:14px\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\; color: rgb(218\, 165\, 32)\;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box\; font-weight: bold\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\; font-family: Roboto\; text-decoration: underline\;">The OPRF Choice Award</span></span></strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p style="box-sizing: border-box\; margin: 0px 0px 10px\; font-size: 18px\; line-height: 1.3\; outline: none\; min-height: 1.6em\; word-break: break-word\; color: rgb(50\, 50\, 50)\; font-family: Roboto\; background-color: rgb(255\, 255\, 255)\;"><span style="font-size:14px\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\; font-family: arial\, helvetica\, sans-serif\;">The <em style="box-sizing: border-box\;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box\; font-weight: bold\;">new</strong></em> OPRF Choice Award is the highest honor presented by the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce. It recognizes a business that exemplifies excellence in leadership\, growth\, community engagement\, and overall impact.</span></span></span></p>\n\n<p style="box-sizing: border-box\; margin: 0px 0px 10px\; font-size: 18px\; line-height: 1.3\; outline: none\; min-height: 1.6em\; word-break: break-word\; color: rgb(50\, 50\, 50)\; font-family: Roboto\; background-color: rgb(255\, 255\, 255)\;"><span style="font-size:14px\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\; font-family: arial\, helvetica\, sans-serif\;">This award celebrates an organization that not only succeeds professionally\, but also actively strengthens the local economy\, supports fellow businesses\, and contributes to the vitality of Oak Park and River Forest.</span></span></span></p>\n\n<p style="box-sizing: border-box\; margin: 0px 0px 10px\; font-size: 18px\; line-height: 1.3\; outline: none\; min-height: 1.6em\; word-break: break-word\; color: rgb(50\, 50\, 50)\; font-family: Roboto\; background-color: rgb(255\, 255\, 255)\;"><span style="font-size:14px\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\; font-family: arial\, helvetica\, sans-serif\;">After all of the nominations are gathered\, the top choices will be up for a final vote by the attendees of the Spotlight Awards. The winner will be decided the night of the awards.\\<br />\n<strong>2026 Finalists: Sugar </strong></span></span><strong>Fix&eacute\; P&acirc\;tisserie</strong><span style="box-sizing: border-box\;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box\; font-family: arial\, helvetica\, sans-serif\;"><strong>\, Whirlwind Coffee\, Oak Park Festival Theatre\, Comedy Plex</strong></span></span></span></p>\n\n<div style="margin: 0px\; padding: 0px\;">&nbsp\;</div>\n\n<div font-size:="" open="" style="margin: 0px\; padding: 0px\; color: rgb(64\, 63\, 66)\;"><strong><span style="font-size:14px\;"><span style="font-style: italic\;">We can?t wait to reveal the winners and celebrate all of this year?s incredible nominees!</span></span></strong><br />\n&nbsp\;</div>\n\n<h3><span style="font-size:14px\;">What to Expect?</span></h3>\n\n<ul>\n	<li><span style="font-size:14px\;"><strong>Magical Reception:</strong>&nbsp\;A festive cocktail reception with an open bar\, a spread of delicious hors d&#39\;oeuvres\, and plenty of time to mingle and savor magical moments.&nbsp\;</span></li>\n	<li><span style="font-size:14px\;"><strong>Award Ceremony:</strong> Celebrate the winners across various categories\, honoring their creativity\, dedication and impact on our community.</span></li>\n	<li><span style="font-size:14px\;"><strong>Networking Opportunities:</strong> Connect with industry leaders\, community influencers\, and peers&nbsp\;in a vibrant\, inspiring atmosphere.</span></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p><span style="font-size:14px\;"><strong>Sponsorship Opportunities:</strong></span></p>\n\n<p><span style="font-size:14px\;">Interested in sponsoring the 2026 Spotlight Awards? We offer a range of sponsorship packages from $250-$3000 to suit your organization&#39\;s needs and enhance your visibility within the community. For more information\, please click to&nbsp\;<span style="font-size:16px\;"><a href="https://chambermaster.blob.core.windows.net/userfiles/UserFiles/chambers/1821/CMS/Spotlight_Awards/OPRF-Spotlight-Awards-2026-Sponsorship-Levels.pdf" style="font-family: Arial\, Helvetica\, sans-serif\; font-size: small\; text-decoration: none\;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:14px\;">download</span> </a></span></span><font size="2">our guide or</font><span style="font-size:14px\;">&nbsp\;email&nbsp\;<a href="mailto:specialevents@oprfchamber.org">specialevents@oprfchamber.org</a>.&nbsp\;&nbsp\;</span></p>\n\n<p style="font-size: small\; font-variant: normal\; box-sizing: border-box\; margin: 0px 0px 10px\; line-height: 20px\; font-family: Arial\, Helvetica\, sans-serif\; font-kerning: auto\; color: rgb(34\, 34\, 34)\;">&nbsp\;</p>\n\n<p><span style="font-size:14px\;">Be a part of this incredible evening as we honor the best in our business community. Dress to impress and prepare for an unforgettable night of celebration\, inspiration\, and connection.</span><br />\n<br />\n<br />\n&nbsp\;</p>\n
LOCATION:The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association 178 Forest Ave\, Oak Park\, IL 60301
UID:e.1821.44347
SEQUENCE:3
DTSTAMP:20261020T163511Z
URL:https://www.oprfchamber.org/events/details/2026-spotlight-awards-44347
END:VEVENT

END:VCALENDAR
