District
8's own Karl Dencker was honored with the national Goodwill Member of the Year
award from ACBL. The award was presented at a special ceremony at the Dallas
spring championships in March.
District
8's own Karl Dencker was honored with the national Goodwill Member of the Year
award from ACBL. The award was presented at a special ceremony at the Dallas
spring championships in March.
Karl, of Lake in the Hills IL, has been involved in a wide range of volunteer activities for bridge. He is a former president of District 8 and, with his wife Rajahneen, has served on the District 8 Board for many years.
Karl is also chairman of local sectionals in the Northwest Illinois Unit and the annual "Great Sizzlin' Summer Illinois Regional", coming up on June 16-22 in Crystal Lake IL. Karl built the tournament into the largest in Illinois by taking advantage of every opportunity to make people feel welcome. Players who miss one or two of his tournaments receive postcards urging them to play again soon -- followed by postcards of thanks when they attend another tournament.
ACBL Goodwill Chairman Sandy DeMartino described Dencker as a “dynamic, invaluable volunteer, always with a smile on his face." District 8 Director Georgia Heth was also one of the presenters at the ceremony. She said that when Dencker started helping out in the district, “he came on at full speed and did it all. He is always looking for new ways to help the players and support bridge.”
Dencker replied, “It’s a great honor to be among all of you nice people.”
The honor is ours, Karl. Thank you for all you've done for bridge in District 8, and congratulations on this well-deserved national honor.