Tom ,

This is a very special day for us to finally honor Tom Finnegan.

We have shared our lives with Tom; through humor, through song, at meetings and lunches.

Tom is a true inspiration to all who have had the honor of knowing him.   He never complains about his own life but is very interested in the lives of those around him.  He makes everyone he meets feel special and important.

At BEST, we look forward to introductions at the beginning of each meeting because we know that we are going to hear an Irish joke, a little limerick or maybe his philosophy of life.

Tom has a lifetime of experiences and insights that have added such richness to the BEST organization as well as SALT and the Round Lake Area community.  He is able to look at situations and analyze pros and cons and articulate his ideas to others.

Tom never quits learning.  He is the webmaster of the BEST website and probably knows more about computers than many of us.  He is dedicated and committed and always gets the job done.

Tom is a sweetheart.  He has touched the members of BEST with his stories, his laughter, and his desire to make this world a better place.  He is interested in everything and everyone and he is well loved.

Heidi Wodrich states it very well - Tom Finnegan, to me, represents wisdom and grace, and is a man who understands the value of service to others. His optimism and sense of humor, and his sense of responsibility to make things a little better for the next generation are inspiring! His jokes are outstanding--- :-)  and his continued demonstration of using his life to make a difference shows us all that by simply enjoying the wonders that each day brings and contributing something of ourselves, we will have truly lived!! Tom--- You ROCK!!!!!! ;-)

Terre Ezyk  writes

Tom Finnegan is a man with a mission. He uses his communication skills, his knowledge of the community and a sense of humor to get the job done.  A meeting without Tom is a meeting that is about as much fun as a cake without icing! 

Tom has been actively involved in the Round Lake Area for many, many years and a fixture on many community groups, like BEST and SALT.  He is involved because he really cares about the community and residents and about how others view us.

Tom is always ready with a joke but he is also very serious about the issues being discussed and the projects being done. He does the research and he shares his findings and concerns with the group. Tom’s attention to detail is counted upon and his willingness to assist with any task makes him the go to guy when answers are needed. 

What I like the most about Tom is his concern for other people and his caring attitude. He is supportive and a team player. Whether looking for ways to involve more people, giving good feedback on how to do events or projects or telling that joke when the time is right – he does these things with tact, humility and a smile.

So giving Tom Finnegan his due at a Character Counts Award Event is wonderful because he is a character and he believes in the pillars of character too! Thank you Tom for all you do and more importantly for who you are!