Oak Forest Resident Honored as Regional Sertoman of the Year

For Oak Forest resident Joe Varanauski, helping others who are less fortunate is something that just feels right. For the past 22 years, Varanauski has given his time to the Action Sertoma group, which is dedicated to providing services to individuals with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities.

For his efforts Varanauski was named the Regional Outstanding Sertoman of the Year, at the Great Lakes Regional Sertoma Convention in Indianapolis.

The award was a bonus for Varanauski, who also won the same award for the Illinois-Wisconsin area and from Action Sertoma for the local area.

“I'm very humbled by all of this,” said Varanauski. “I'm very happy to have all of these plaques on my walls now.”

His work with the group is mainly spent volunteering his time to help organize events, such as the group's golf outing, which raised more than $30,000, Fall Fest, which raised more than $22,000 this year, and more. However, he was quick to add he isn't the only member of the organization to do what he's doing, he's just the one who was recognized this time.

“It's not just me,” he said. “Every time I get this award, I can't help but think of all the help I get. It's amazing.”