2018 Vision Keepers Sponsored by Interfaith Action of Evanston

Evanston Interfaith Action’s annual Vision Keepers Award Banquet was held Sunday, Feb. 18 at the Orrington Hotel. More than 400 people were in attendance, representing Evanston’s many faith communities. The banquet honors those who have performed notable service for their neighbors.  This year’s honorees from Immanuel were Eliza McDaniel and Nicolai Schousboe. Here’s what the program said about them:

“Eliza McDaniel’s natural curiosity and devotion to helping others has opened many doors for her. At Immanuel, she has grown and blossomed. With the support of her home church, Eliza has become a force for good in the community. She embodies Immanuel’s commitment to welcome all by frequently interpreting the lessons and liturgy in American Sign Language. Eliza served a three-year term as a voting member of Immanuel’s church council during which she championed the conservation of the stained glass windows in the sanctuary. Eliza’s artistic eye was crucial in the selection of Immanuel’s new logo and her photographs appear on the website. In 2016, Eliza traveled with the youth group to Washington DC for a weeklong intensive on homelessness and its causes. There she attended workshops, distributed care packages in parks, served a soup kitchen, sorted furniture, and stocked a food pantry. Here in Evanston she volunteers at Café Immanuel and Immanuel’s Indoor Farmers’ Market, which supports hunger initiatives. She’s become a master knitter and creates warm hats for local schoolchildren. Next year, she will continue her studies in American Sign Language and Interpreting at college.” “

Nicolai Schousboe has been a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church for over 15 years. During that time he has served 2 terms on the church council. He has also been a member of the social ministry committee for several years and currently serves as its chairman. He is also the Church Delegate to Interfaith Action in Evanston, and the Bridges to Home project. As a Danish immigrant, Nicolai is president of the Danish National Committee, volunteers his time at the Danish Home in Chicago and serves on the North Park University Scandinavian Advisory Committee. As a long time resident of Evanston he was a founding board member of Citizens for a Greener Evanston. He and his wife, Barbara have four adult children living in Evanston, New York, California and Australia.” Congratulations, and thank you, Eliza and Nicolai!