River East resident wins Pinstripes’ Hometown Heroes award

Pinstripes concluded a Hometown Heroes campaign recently, honoring the people who “go above and beyond to make the community a better place to live.” Launched in June, the bistro, bowling and bocce venue asked patrons to nominate those who they felt most deserved the recognition and explain what made them special.

The campaign attracted more than 500 individuals worthy of consideration. Pinstripes General Managers narrowed the submissions down to three semifinalists in 13 locations across the country. Then a committee interviewed the semifinalists, as well as the people who had nominated them, and selected the official Hometown Heroes.

River East resident Andrea Hood earned the title in Chicago. Andrea delivered essential items throughout the community during the pandemic with help from a small legion of volunteers that included her sons and 5-year-old grandson.

The official Hometown Hero program described “MommaHood,” as she is known to many, as a “preacher, teacher, mentor, second mom to many, block club president, health coach and so much more.”

Other nearby winners include Angela Chiappetta, a University of Illinois Hospital radiology technologist; Loribel Deloria, a neonatal nurse and active duty Navy Sergeant Nurse; and Lauren Hennessy, a spine fusion surgery patient who wrote cards to every resident at the Alzheimer’s unit in Mt. Prospect while receiving treatment.

Each winner was awarded a $250 dining and gaming gift certificate and free bowling and bocce for a year. Finalists received $100 gift certificates. Nominators were given $50 gift certificates.

Pinstripes spent more than $30,000 to honor the Hometown Heroes. Founder and CEO Dale Schwartz said it is money well spent.

“Now, more than ever, it’s important to celebrate both the small and big,” he said. “As a company, we salute these local heroes and everyone who visits us and allows us to be a part of their memories and experiences. Our customers keep us all connected and inspired, healthy and empowered.”