River Commitment Awards Honor Three for Exceptional Work

February 08, 2023

Friends commended our dedicated supporters at the 2023 Member & Volunteer Celebration on Groundhog’s Day and shared the great work of 2022 and excitement for the year ahead. At the festive event, Friends honored three worthy recipients with our 2022 River Commitment Awards for their exceptional efforts on behalf of Friends’ mission to improve and protect the river. 

“We cannot thank these honorees enough; they exemplify the action and advocacy that is instrumental to the revitalization of the Chicago-Calumet River system,” said Margaret Frisbie, executive director of Friends of the Chicago River. “Their dedication and leadership inspires more and more people to get involved in the river’s care, which is healthier now than it has been in 150 years. We are so very grateful for all they do.”

River Champion Award: Joe Kratzer

The 2022 River Champion award honors Joe Kratzer, who is a managing civil engineer at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD). Kratzer is an invaluable partner and expert resource for many of Friends initiatives and projects, especially the Greater Chicago Watershed Alliance, which includes the MWRD. He has become a well-known and helpful resource for numerous river-related projects throughout our region and he always provides meaningful input, data, and guidance to Friends and many of our conservation partners. 

Spirit of the River Award: LeeAnn Tomas-Foster

The 2022 Spirit of the River award honors LeeAnn Tomas-Foster, city executive at Arcadis, a leading global design and engineering consultancy for natural and built assets. Always supportive with her insight and expertise, Tomas-Foster is ever-present at Friends’ events, is a Chicago River Day volunteer, serves on the Big Fish Ball Committee, and is instrumental as a partner of the Greater Chicago Watershed Alliance. The Alliance has benefited greatly from the knowledge she shares and the connections she makes with experts from across the country. Her efforts, character, and enthusiasm truly embody the Spirit of the River.

Volunteer of the Year Award: Bill Walsh

The 2022 Volunteer of the Year award honors Bill Walsh, a beloved, longtime canoe guide with Friends. The Volunteer of the Year award is presented to an extraordinary individual whose volunteer efforts improve and protect the Chicago River system. Twenty years ago, Walsh began racing in Friends’ Chicago River Flatwater Classic canoe and kayak race and has remained a devoted and cherished volunteer ever since. He is one of the most experienced of our canoe guides and his leadership, energy, and effort make him a model and provide meaningful experiences to beginner river lovers, creating opportunities for them to get to know the river and participate in its revival. Admired for his zeal in mentoring new guides and welcoming guests with kindness, Walsh has a great sense of humor, cheerfulness, patience, and warmth that represents the best of Friends.

If you are interested in learning more about our many volunteer opportunities please sign up for our monthly volunteer e-newsletter – CREW, join the CREW group on Facebook, or reach out to schedule a River Action Day for your group.