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* I actually teared up a little when the folks from Lutheran Social Services of Illinois approached me about giving me their “Amicus Certus” award, but I was reluctant to the point of wanting to find a way to say “No.” Sure, we’ve helped raised them a few bucks, but is that really worth an award?

On the other hand, the awards dinner is another way to help raise some more money for one of the best social service organizations in the entire state, if not the nation. If they thought it would work, who am I to turn them down? Plus, Orion Samuelson got the award a while ago and I’ve been a huge fan of his ever since I was a kid riding on a tractor and listening to every word of his farm report. That man has the best voice in all of radio. So, buy your tickets now…

Amicus Certus means “True Friend.” Some award background…

A true friend is one soul in two bodies. That was Aristotle’s idea of amicus certus.

For Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI), Amicus Certus (“true friend”) is the name of the award given at our annual fall celebration, presented to a person who has made significant contributions to the human community.

Some LSSI background…

Founded in 1867, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) is a statewide, not-for-profit social service agency of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. LSSI is committed to caring for people in need, regardless of religion, age or national origin, helping them to make important changes that lead to better lives and stronger communities. Each year, tens of thousands of people receive assistance from LSSI through a broad array of children’s services, older adult care, senior housing, behavioral health and development disabilities services, and services for prisoners and their families.

* As you may recall, we donated all profits from both of my 50th birthday parties (Springfield and Chicago) to LSSI, then donated a large number of toys at my Christmas-time City Club speech last year, plus raised some cash. We’ll be doing the toy collection thing again this year as well.

Like I said, that really isn’t all that much. But I’m still honored that they think this highly of me. So buy some tickets and sponsor some tables.

/fullcourtpress

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Jul 21, 14 @ 12:12 pm

Comments

Congratulations!

I’m guessing that it’s not so much the “few bucks” you’ve raised, but the number of people you’ve introduced to LSSI that merits the award, not to mention the continuity of giving.

Comment by Joan P. Monday, Jul 21, 14 @ 12:35 pm
That. Is. Awesome.

Honors and awards can make many of us feel a bit uncomfortable. One starts wondering why they were selected, if they could have done more, if they even did as much as some others.

In this case, Rich, I’d say they got it right. The award isn’t for “biggest donor” or “the guy who throws us the fanciest parties with the wealthiest people”. The award means “true friend”, and you have been a true friend in the sense that LSS means it.

Comment by Formerly Known As... Monday, Jul 21, 14 @ 12:38 pm
Doesn’t that date risk a conflict with the White Sox in the World Series?

Oh.

Comment by Reality Check Monday, Jul 21, 14 @ 12:45 pm
Has Skip agreed to be a guest speaker?

I highly doubt they would take time and energy to honor just some guy that raised “a few bucks.” Congratulations, and well deserved.

Comment by Barton Lorimor Monday, Jul 21, 14 @ 12:56 pm
Much respect to you Mr. Miller.

I hear Bruce Rauner might be able to afford a table.

Comment by John A Logan Monday, Jul 21, 14 @ 1:05 pm
Congratulations, Rich! A well deserved honor.

Comment by transplant Monday, Jul 21, 14 @ 1:11 pm
I’ll be there. Maybe we can join up into a table if enough Rich Miller fans can spring for it.
Mark

Comment by walker Monday, Jul 21, 14 @ 2:36 pm
Rich -

I am sure they honor you not only for your charitable work but also for your career in journalism, which has made public policy making more accessible for lowly citizens across Illinois.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Jul 21, 14 @ 3:03 pm
Well deserved honor.

You let your actions speak louder than your words. I congratulate both you and the LSSA on a great partnership these many times you have made your feeling felt, and your actions mean something to so many.

Congratulations to you.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jul 21, 14 @ 3:22 pm
Ditto on all the Congrats, Rich Miller. You are modest about it, but you really helped out LSSI and their worthy causes, and you deSERVE recognition…!

Comment by Just The Way It Is One Monday, Jul 21, 14 @ 8:02 pm
Apologies to LSSI and Rich on my horrible misspelling.

I hope my sentiments are still taken as warm and honest and congratulatory as I intended them to be for you both.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jul 21, 14 @ 11:21 pm