The music of Motown came to life on Saturday, Jan. 28 as the Munster Chamber’s annual gala Motown-themed celebration honored Volunteer of the Year Michelle Luna (Horizon Bank); Citizen of the Year Damian Rico (Hospice of the Calumet Area); and Community Service Leader James Ghrist (Munster Police Department).
“This is a special evening, and we are honored to celebrate three leaders that do so much for our community,” said Sherrill Adams, Adams Allstate and Gala co-chair. “I am so honored to work with all three of these individuals and most importantly to have them as friends. This is a fun night, and we are grateful for all your support by joining us.”
Horizon Bank Assistant VP and Business Banker Michelle Luna said she was “shocked” to hear that she was recognized as this year’s Volunteer of the Year. Munster Chamber Executive Director Karen Mashura says Luna participates in many of the Chamber’s events and is always behind the scenes helping when she can.
“I’ve been with the Munster Chamber for eight years now and I have met so many talented professionals and I enjoy being part of their initiatives,” said Luna. “I want to thank Horizon Bank for encouraging me, and others, to get involved and be a part of the communities we serve. I would also like to thank my husband and family for their love and support.”
The Chamber honored last year’s Volunteer of the Year Damian Rico with this year’s Citizen of the Year honor. Rico is the Marketing and Community Relations Director at Hospice of the Calumet Area and has been an integral part of the Chamber since joining four years ago.
Amid Covid, when the Chamber was forced to cancel all fundraisers, Rico and the Marketing Committee created an innovative digital and print marketing publication, which raised over $18,000 for the non-profit.
“This night is really a celebration of every business professional that collaborates to make a difference in this community,” said Rico. “I’m honored to accept this award, but this goes to my family, because without the support and encouragement of my wife Kari and our children, this would not be possible.”
The Chamber also created a special Community Service Leader award for Munster Police Department’s James Ghrist for his work as a DARE Officer. Ghrist was responsible for soliciting business partners like the Chamber to purchase the Nat the Knight mascot costume to help foster relationships and teaching lessons with elementary students. The Chamber also presented Ghrist with a $1,000 check to support his work in the community.
“This really means a lot to me. The Chamber does so much in making Munster a great place to live,” said James Ghrist. “I want to thank my wife Amanda for her support and my two twin boys Jimmy and Ben. Lastly, I’ve been working in the schools for most of my 22 years and I want to thank them for their positivity and support.”
To kick off the event, legendary icon Smokey Robinson sent a video message thanking the Chamber for sharing the “magic of Motown.” Robinson discussed how important the Region was to the era and even mentioned “those special Jackson brothers.”
Annual Gala co-chair Damian Rico says the group chose the Motown theme because the music was created to unite people, especially during some of the more tumultuous times of the 60s.
“The music reminds us that we need peace and unity in our world because there are so many things trying to divide us,” said Rico. “This Chamber really respects diversity and tonight is a celebration of leaders that exemplify compassionate professionalism. I wish my mom [Mona Rico] was physically here today because she loved Smokey and I have fond memories of her and my father dancing to his inspiring ballads.”
Rico recalls Smokey Robinson calling his mother and wife up to the stage during an East Chicago performance in 2008. He said his mother was “beside herself and in heaven.” Robinson will return to the Region on Friday, April 28 to perform at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana in Gary.
This year’s Motown event sponsors included NIPSCO, NW Indiana 24/7 ER & Hospital, Community Healthcare System, Superior Ambulance, Albert’s Jewelers, Franciscan Health, Horizon Bank, Park Place of St. John, Restore Center for Aesthetics, Hard Rock of Northern Indiana, Bowman Displays and Hospice of the Calumet Area.
