Congratulations to the DGC 2025 VIP Awardee

At our 2025 Holiday Party the DGC 2025 VIP recipient was announced. We are grateful for our dedicated members and look forward to celebrating their contributions at the GCI 2025 State Convention.

Congratulations to DGC 2025 VIP David DeCuir

Information from the award sent on to the Garden Clubs of Illinois Inc.

On behalf of the Darien Garden Club, we are delighted to present a Very Important Person Award to David DeCuir.

David has been an official member since 2023; however, he has contributed significantly behind the scenes since his wife, Claudia, served as president during 2017–2018.

David is the official photographer for the club. He takes pictures at every event we host, as well as the monthly meetings and summer outings. He provides photos for our website, which helps us use them when applying for awards to Garden Clubs of Illinois, National Garden Clubs, secure grants, and maintain a visual club history.

David consistently supports our team behind the scenes. He does not seek recognition, nor does he brag about his photography skills. He quietly makes sure our group shots are well-organized and everyone’s smiling face is visible. He goes above and beyond capturing all attendees at each event.

David supports his wife, our former president Claudia, so she can attend every meeting and event. He frequently assists with committees to setup and cleanup—even though he isn't part of that committee. He is often spotted with a camera around his neck, always ready to lend a hand wherever it's needed.

We feel truly fortunate to have David as our photographer, and we congratulate him on being chosen as our 2025 VIP!

We are delighted to present a Very Important Person Award to David DeCuir. Congratulations David!

Congratulations to New Garden Clubs of Illinois Inc. Life Member:

Cathy Streett

The 2025 holiday party provided time to honor yet another member of our club.

Cathy Streett was presented with a Garden Clubs of Illinois Life Membership in honor of her service over the last 24 years.

Members Yvonne Mlynarczyk and Megan Lawrence surprised her with the reading of the Top Ten reasons she deserved this honor:

Cathy Streett:

1) was a founding member and past president of DGC

2) is always first-in, last-out at meetings and events

3) was the plant sale chair for several years in a row in the early years of DGC

4) single-handedly created our 20th anniversary power point

5) is an active member of garden therapy, building relationships with the institutions and residents alike

6) was instrumental in launching sprouts, DGC's nationally award-winning kids garden club

7) got DGC connected with the community through Darien Action Committee

8) faithfully designs the planters and actively teaches youth at IPPL, staying involved in all seasons

9) is an amazing leader, supporter, and creator in our club and the community

10) constantly seeks out fundraising and grant opportunities to supplement club income so we can continue to do more great things.

They presented Cathy with a plaque and "Life Member" card and read the following:

"On behalf of the Darien Garden Club, it is my honor to present you with a Garden Clubs of Illinois life membership #445. You have made our club well known throughout the state and beyond. You will be honored and recognized at the GCI 2026 Annual Convention this spring where you will receive your “Life Membership Pin” at a pinning ceremony. Thank you and congratulations."

Many Thanks And Congratulations To Cathy From All Of Us At DGC!