ITASCA, Ill. (Sept. 29, 2025) — The Gift of Hope Community Foundation is proud to present the Jesse White Leadership Achievement Award to Adlai E. Stevenson High School’s Students for Organ Donation Awareness (SODA) Chapter in recognition of their exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to raising awareness about organ and tissue donation. The award was presented by Jesse White during the Gift of Hope Community Foundation’s 5K Run, Walk and Roll in Glen Ellyn on Sept. 28.
Established in 2018, the Gift of Hope Community Foundation raises funds to support Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network’s (Gift of Hope) mission to save and enhance lives through organ and tissue donation.
The Jesse White Leadership Achievement Award honors the legacy of Jesse White, the 37th Illinois Secretary of State, who was a tireless advocate for organ and tissue donation throughout his tenure. His visionary leadership and advocacy were instrumental in raising awareness and significantly increasing donor registrations across the state. Recipients of this award embody his spirit by inspiring communities, fostering education, and transforming lives through their dedication to organ and tissue donation.
The Stevenson High School SODA Chapter demonstrated extraordinary impact, raising more than $15,000 for the Gift of Hope Community Foundation in 2025 alone. Through peer-led education, awareness campaigns, and community outreach, they have inspired countless individuals to learn about, register for, and discuss their decision to be organ donors.
“The Stevenson SODA Chapter exemplifies the next generation of leaders who are driving awareness and change in the community,” said Audrena Spence, executive director of the Gift of Hope Community Foundation. “Their commitment, creativity, and compassion mirror the legacy of Secretary Jesse White. They have not only raised significant funds for our mission but also built a culture of understanding and action around the importance of organ and tissue donation.”
The annual Gift of Hope Community Foundation’s 5K Run, Walk and Roll is more than a race — it is a celebration of life, hope, and second chances. All proceeds support the Gift of Hope Community Foundation’s efforts to educate, inspire, and engage communities in the life-saving mission of organ and tissue donation.
To learn more about the Gift of Hope Community Foundation or to support its initiatives, please visit giftofhope.org/give.
About Gift of Hope Community Foundation:
Established in 2018, the Gift of Hope Community Foundation raises funds to support Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network’s mission and programs, to save and enhance the lives of as many people as possible through organ and tissue donation. Learn more about the Foundation at giftofhope.org/give.
About Gift of Hope
Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network is the nonprofit organ procurement organization (OPO) that coordinates organ and tissue donation and provides public education on donation in Illinois and northwest Indiana. As one of 55 OPOs in the national organ donation system, Gift of Hope works with 180 hospitals and serves 12 million people in its donation service area. Since 1986, its work has saved the lives of more than 29,000 organ transplant recipients and improved the lives of hundreds of thousands of tissue transplant recipients. For more information, visit giftofhope.org.